Hilda — Hilda, South Carolina

The small community of Hilda, located in Barnwell County, was founded in 1910. It developed around the Atlantic Coast Line Depot that was built here in 1903 following the laying of tracks through the area in 1897. As the historical marker below says, Hilda was named for a friend or daughter of someone associated with the railroad.

Hilda is part of the “Sleytown” area of Barnwell County, a term used to describe the area between Buford’s Bridge, Hilda, and Denmark. It is said that residents used to make a meager living from selling hand looms, or sleys, to nearby communities.

Reflections on Hilda

Regular contributor Andy Hunter, who took several of the above photos, tells us this about Hilda’s landmark caboose: “I was visiting a church member in Hilda who told me that the town caboose was getting “refurbished,” including new artwork. Naturally, I had to stop by on my way home to check it out…definite improvement!”

Karen Creel shares about her photo: “As I was driving through Barnwell County one afternoon, I came across this little community called Hilda, SC. I could not resist an opportunity to capture some unique images of this old train depot.”

Add your own reflections here.

Hilda Map

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