Located in east central Dallas County, the town of Mesquite is 11 mi (18 km) from Dallas. Established in 1887 as a railway stop along the Texas and Pacific Railroad, the predominately agrarian town economically flourished by growing and exporting raw goods through the adjacent railway line. Today, Mesquite's pioneering efforts and way of life are kept alive through tours of historic, original homes, such as the Florence Ranch Homestead and Opal Lawrence Historical Park. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo runs from April through September and hosts professional competitions by members of the Men's and Women's Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, chuck wagon races, a children's calf scramble, smokehouse barbecues and cowboy poker. Additional highlights of the town are the celebrations of its vibrant cultural community through concerts, art exhibits and theater productions at both the Mesquite Arts Center and Radio City Music Hall.