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


By: Laurie E. Jasinski

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.

TSHA is a proud affiliate of University of Texas at Austin
Ida Jo Marshall, ed., Rockdale Centennial: A History of Rockdale, Texas, 1874–1974 (Rockdale: Rockdale Reporter, 1974).

Places:

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 March 09, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/praesel-tx.

Published by the Texas State Historical Association.

TID: HLP67

August 31, 2005

Find out more about this place from our Texas Almanac.

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

Claim Your Piece of Texas History! Adopt a town, county, college, or lake and leave your mark on Texas, where people from all over will see it.

Become a part of Texas history by adopting a town, county, or lake through The Great Texas Land Rush! Whether you're honoring a loved one, celebrating a special event, or simply sharing your personal message, this unique opportunity allows you to leave your mark on the Lone Star State. Choose the location that speaks to you, customize your message, and showcase your support for Texas. Each adoption comes with a frameable certificate, so you can proudly display your connection to this great state. Adopt your piece of Texas today and help preserve its rich heritage!