Before becoming an incorporated town in 1888, Midlothian was a farming community. Once the railroads arrived in 1882 and 1886, cotton production became an essential crop for the area. In the 1960s, cement production developed into the key industry because of the natural limestone chalk and shale formation in the area.
Author Karen Kay Esberger is a native of Midlothian who has always been interested in local history. She has written numerous articles for genealogical and historical publications, and is the author of Images of America: Midlothian.