Hilda, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hilda, Texas
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 Hilda, Texas
Location in Texas
Hilda, Texas
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Mason |
| Elevation | 1,480 ft (451 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 319 |
| FIPS code | 48-33932 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1379932 |
Hilda is a small farming and ranching community in Mason County, Texas. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Hilda is located on RM 783, right between the towns of Mason and Doss.
This community was started around 1852 by German immigrants. These early settlers were farmers and ranchers. Before Fort Mason was built in 1858, they had to travel all the way to Fredericksburg to get their basic supplies. Today, not many people live in Hilda, but it still has an active church.
Exploring Hilda's History
Hilda was founded by German families who came to Texas looking for new opportunities. They settled in an area known as the Fisher–Miller Land Grant territory. Life was tough in the early days, with settlers working hard on their farms and ranches.
The Community Church
The Hilda Community United Methodist Church has a long history, starting around 1851. It was first known as the Beaver Creek United Methodist Church. Early church services were held outdoors, near Beaver Creek. Ministers like Reverend Charles Grote and Reverend Conrad Pluenneke traveled around, serving different communities. These traveling pastors were called "circuit riders."
In 1859, August Engel joined as another circuit rider. Over time, the Methodists in the area organized themselves and created a charter. They built their first parsonage (a home for the pastor) in 1861. A church building that also served as a school was built in 1880. The church building you see today was constructed in 1902, replacing the older one.
Post Office Services
Hilda had its own post office for a while, from 1901 until 1919. This meant residents could send and receive mail right in their community. After 1919, mail services for Hilda were moved to the nearby community of Loyal Valley.
