Cities and Towns in Milam County, Texas

Founded in 1836, Milam County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Milam County was one of the original 23 counties. The city of Cameron is the county seat. With FIPS code of 331, Milam County has a population of 25,106 and area of 1,017 square miles (2,634 km²).

List of all cities in Milam County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ben Arnold, TX	76519	254
Buckholts, TX	76518	254
Burlington, TX	76519	254
Cameron, TX	76520	254
Cross Roads, TX	76520	254
Cyclone, TX	76519	254
Davilla, TX	76523	254
Detmold, TX	76577	512/737
Gano, TX	76577	512/737
Gause, TX	77857	979
Hoyte, TX	76520	254
Jones Prairie, TX	76520	254
Lilac, TX	76577	512/737
Maysfield, TX	76520	254
Meeks, TX	76519	254
Milano, TX	76556	512/737
Minerva, TX	76567	512/737
Nile, TX	76577	512/737
Pettibone, TX	76520	254
Praesel, TX	76567	512/737
Rockdale, TX	76567	512/737
Salty, TX	76567	512/737
San Gabriel, TX	76577	512/737
Sharp, TX	76518	254
South Elm, TX	76518	254
Thorndale, TX	76577	512/737
Val Verde, TX	76518	254
Yarrelton, TX	76518	254

Major Cities and Towns in Milam County, Texas

Milam County, located in Central Texas, is rich in history, agriculture, and small-town charm. The county is home to several cities and towns, each with its own unique past and role in the region’s development. The county’s economy has historically been driven by agriculture, particularly cotton and cattle, with growth spurred by the arrival of the railroad and, later, oil. Below are details about the major cities and towns in Milam County.

Cameron

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 5.1 square miles
• Population: 5,200 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 76520
• Latitude: 30.8502° N
• Longitude: 96.9769° W

City Location and History

Cameron, the county seat of Milam County, is located in the southeastern part of the county, about 60 miles northeast of Austin. The town was founded in 1846 and named after a prominent early settler, E. C. Cameron. It was established shortly after the creation of Milam County, and the construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in the late 1800s helped the town grow into an important regional center for trade and commerce. Cameron served as a hub for agricultural products, particularly cotton, which dominated the local economy for much of the town’s early history.

In the 20th century, Cameron experienced periods of growth and decline, but its economy has always remained rooted in agriculture. The town also saw industrial development with the discovery of oil in nearby areas. Today, Cameron is known for its historic downtown area, which retains much of its 19th-century charm, and its role as a central hub for the surrounding farming communities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cameron is served by the Cameron Independent School District, which includes Cameron High School, Cameron Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district offers strong academic programs, with a focus on both general education and specialized courses in areas like agriculture, business, and vocational training. Cameron ISD also has a notable athletic program, including football and basketball, which foster community pride.

Landmarks in Cameron include the historic Milam County Courthouse, a classic example of 19th-century architecture that anchors the town square. The courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a symbol of the town’s early history. Another key landmark is the Cameron City Park, which features picnic areas, a playground, and sports fields. The park is a popular spot for families and hosts several local events, including festivals and community gatherings. Additionally, the city’s historic downtown area, with its brick buildings and antique stores, offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s past.

Rockdale

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 5.5 square miles
• Population: 5,400 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 76567
• Latitude: 30.6501° N
• Longitude: 97.0123° W

City Location and History

Rockdale is located in the northern part of Milam County, about 35 miles east of Georgetown and 40 miles south of Temple. The town was founded in the 1870s and named after the rock formations in the area. Rockdale grew quickly after the arrival of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad, which made it an important shipping point for cotton and livestock. In the early 20th century, Rockdale experienced significant growth, particularly during the coal mining boom, which began in the 1890s. The town’s economy expanded with the discovery of lignite coal, and it became a center for coal mining and related industries.

During the 20th century, Rockdale also became known for its role in the manufacturing of cottonseed oil, which brought additional prosperity to the town. Today, Rockdale is a small but thriving community that maintains its agricultural roots, while also attracting people due to its rich history and friendly atmosphere. Although the coal and oil industries have since declined, Rockdale continues to be an important agricultural center for the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rockdale is served by the Rockdale Independent School District, which includes Rockdale High School, Rockdale Junior High, and several elementary schools. The district offers a wide range of academic programs, including advanced courses in science and technology, as well as strong athletics programs. The community is active in supporting its schools, and the district hosts various extracurricular activities such as band, drama, and arts.

Prominent landmarks in Rockdale include the historic Rockdale Depot, which is a reminder of the town’s early days as a railroad hub. The depot is now home to the Rockdale Historical Museum, where visitors can learn about the town’s coal mining past, early settlement, and cultural heritage. Another key landmark is the City Park, which offers walking trails, a pond, and sports facilities. The park hosts many local events, including the annual Rockdale Fair. The city also celebrates its agricultural history with the Rockdale Rodeo and other local festivals.

Thorndale

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.4 square miles
• Population: 1,400 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 76577
• Latitude: 30.6079° N
• Longitude: 97.3096° W

City Location and History

Thorndale is a small town located in the northeastern part of Milam County, about 18 miles southwest of Taylor. The town was established in the 1880s as a stop along the International-Great Northern Railroad, which played a crucial role in its early development. The town was named after John Thorndale, a railroad executive, and it became known for its role in shipping agricultural goods, particularly cotton, to larger markets. Thorndale was incorporated in 1890, and its economy has always been tied to farming and ranching.

In the 20th century, Thorndale’s growth slowed as larger towns in the region expanded, but the town has remained a quiet, rural community. Despite its small size, Thorndale has maintained a strong sense of identity and community pride, largely driven by its agricultural roots and its residents’ connection to the land. The town continues to serve as a center for local farmers and ranchers in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Thorndale is served by the Thorndale Independent School District, which includes Thorndale High School, Thorndale Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its small but dedicated teaching staff, and the community has a strong tradition of supporting local schools. In addition to core academic subjects, the district places a strong emphasis on agriculture education, athletics, and extracurricular activities like music and theater.

Landmarks in Thorndale include the historic Thorndale Depot, which serves as a reminder of the town’s early days as a railroad stop. The depot has been preserved and houses a small museum with exhibits about the town’s history. The town’s City Park is another central feature, offering recreational facilities for residents, including walking trails, picnic areas, and a sports complex. Thorndale also celebrates its rural heritage with annual events like the Thorndale Rodeo, which draws locals and visitors alike to experience the community’s cowboy culture.

Buckholts

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.1 square miles
• Population: 500 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 76518
• Latitude: 30.8580° N
• Longitude: 97.2391° W

City Location and History

Buckholts is located in the southern part of Milam County, approximately 10 miles southwest of Cameron. The town was founded in the late 1800s and named after a local settler, Buck Holts. The town’s development was largely driven by its agricultural background, particularly cotton farming, as well as its location along key transportation routes, which allowed for the shipping of goods to larger markets. Buckholts has always remained a small, rural community, but its economy was historically bolstered by agriculture and the oil industry during brief periods of discovery.

Today, Buckholts maintains its agricultural identity and is known for its tight-knit community and scenic rural surroundings. While it has not experienced significant population growth, it remains an important center for farming families in Milam County. Its proximity to Cameron also gives residents access to larger services and commercial opportunities while preserving a slower, more peaceful pace of life.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Buckholts is served by the Buckholts Independent School District, which includes Buckholts High School and Buckholts Elementary School. The school district focuses on providing personalized education to its small student body, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and community involvement. The town also offers extracurricular programs such as sports and agriculture-based activities that reflect the town’s agricultural roots.

Landmarks in Buckholts include the Buckholts Community Park, which serves as a gathering place for local families and hosts annual events such as community picnics and celebrations. The nearby rural landscapes provide a picturesque setting for outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting. While Buckholts does not have large-scale tourist attractions, its charm lies in its rural beauty and the strong sense of community that permeates daily life.