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