Editing Cameron, Texas (section)

===Modern times===
Cameron residents received much-needed job opportunities in the 1950s when the [[Alcoa|Aluminum Company of America]] built a plant southwest of Rockdale. Jobs at the plant, as well as the [[lignite]] industry that supplied the plant's power, revitalized the economy of Milam County. Between 1950 and 1960, Cameron registered an increase of 588 residents, from 5,052 to 5,640.

This level of growth would not continue, however. The [[Texas and New Orleans Railroad]] discontinued its track from Cameron south to [[Giddings, Texas|Giddings]]. [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company|Southern Pacific]], which had taken over the Texas and New Orleans, abandoned its track from Cameron north to [[Rosebud, Texas|Rosebud]].<ref name="Texas Handbook"/> The population continued to experience slight fluctuations throughout the remainder of the late 20th century. The Alcoa plant closed in 2009.

Since 2010, the annual [[Burning Flipside]] festival has been held at the nearby Apache Pastures campground, drawing tourists to the area.

On February 23, 2021, a collision between a flatbed tractor-trailer and a BNSF railroad train on [[Farm to Market Road 2095]] near Cameron caused a [[derailment]]. The train's petroleum cargo exploded, resulting in the evacuation of nearby homes. At least one structure burned, but no loss of life or injuries were reported.<ref name="NBC">{{cite web |title=Massive Explosion Follows Train, Tractor-Trailer Collision in Central Texas |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/huge-explosion-erupts-after-18-wheeler-hits-fuel-train-texas-n1258642 |website=www.nbcnews.com |date=February 24, 2021 |access-date=24 February 2021 |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318222358/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/huge-explosion-erupts-after-18-wheeler-hits-fuel-train-texas-n1258642 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite news |title=Texas train carrying fuel in flames after crossing collision |work=BBC News |date=February 23, 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56117353 |access-date=24 February 2021 |archive-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319023610/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56117353 |url-status=live }}</ref> 

Since Oct of 2021, the City of Cameron and the Downtown Square have been experiencing a renaissance as the community has started to renovate the historic buildings and add numerous businesses.  The downtown is now bustling with activity. In addition to the Historic Courthouse, The Milam County Museum and Railroad Museum, the downtown square now hosts Shirley Mae's renowned bakery, Cameron Coffee Co, ZX Texas Boutique and Wine Bar, General Mercantile Antique, The Venue at Railfan, The Shop on Houston, Central Avenue Bistro, Ginno's Italian, The Bling Box Boutique, 44 Farms and many more businesses. The City also hosts numerous downtown festivals, car shows and parades.