Vilas, Texas Explained

Official Name:Vilas, Texas
Settlement Type:Unincorporated community
Pushpin Map:Texas#USA
Pushpin Label:Vilas
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Texas
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Bell
Unit Pref:Imperial
Timezone:Central (CST)
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Elevation Ft:512
Coordinates:30.8411°N -97.3036°W
Area Code:254
Blank Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank Info:1380724

Vilas is an unincorporated community in Bell County, in the U.S. state of Texas. According to the Handbook of Texas, the community had a population of 15 in 2011. It is located within the Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood metropolitan area.

History

Vilas was first settled in the 1880s, most likely by Czech settlers. A post office named Povilas was established in 1888 and remained in operation until 1906. It changed its name to Vilas in 1890 and had a general store and two mills. The community had three churches for Methodist, Baptist, and Disciples of Christ congregations. Its population was 25 in the 1940s, declined to 10 in 1964 with several scattered homes, and was listed on county maps in 2000. Its population was reported to be 15 in 2011.[1]

Geography

Vilas is located on Farm to Market Road 2268, 16miles southeast of Temple in southeastern Bell County.[1]

Education

In 1903, Vilas had a school with one teacher and 49 students and remained in operation in the 1940s.[1] Today, the community is served by the Holland Independent School District.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vilas, TX. Odintz. Mark. 2022-07-15. tshaonline.org.