Discover Praesel, Texas: A Small Community with a Rich History

Published: August 31, 2005

Praesel is a small community located on Farm Road 487 about two miles south of Rockdale in southern Milam County. Development in this area began in 1951, when Floyd Praesel bought 170 acres to mark off lots for homes and businesses. A water tank was constructed to provide water for an increasing number of homes. Hillcrest Baptist Church was organized by 1958. In 1970 Praesel, also known as the Praesel Addition, reported a population of 115. Eventually the town supported several businesses, including a service station, beauty salon, and restaurant. In 2000 Praesel still reported 115 residents.

Ida Jo Marshall, ed., Rockdale Centennial: A History of Rockdale, Texas, 1874–1974 (Rockdale: Rockdale Reporter, 1974).

Places:

Communities

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Laurie E. Jasinski, “Praesel, TX,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed May 19, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/praesel-tx.

TID: HLP67

Original Publication Date:: August 31, 2005

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Place

Praesel

Currently Exists

Yes

Place Type

Town

USGS ID

1365709

Town Fields

Has post office: No
Is Incorporated: No

Belongs to

Milam County

Coordinates

Latitude: 30.63103260°
Longitude: -97.00998570°

Population Counts

People	Year
115	2009
446	2020
63	2021

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

“

On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Long may these ideals live in the heart of every Texan and every American. May God bless all who have defended our freedoms that we enjoy each day. And God bless the United States of America.

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

Discover Praesel, Texas: A Small Community with a Rich History

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Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

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Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

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