Hildreth, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hildreth
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 Hildreth
Location in California
Hildreth
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Madera County |
| Elevation | 1,247 ft (380 m) |
Hildreth is a small, quiet place in Madera County, California. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It's located about 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) east-southeast of a place called O'Neals. Hildreth sits at an elevation of 1,247 feet (380 meters) above sea level.
The Story of Hildreth
How Hildreth Began
Hildreth started in the late 1870s. A man named Tom Hildreth opened a store there. This store was the beginning of the community, which was then named after him.
A Busy Time
From 1886 to 1896, Hildreth even had its own post office. In the 1880s, Hildreth was quite busy. It had a hotel and three general stores. There was also a mine and a barbershop. These businesses served miners and people traveling on the stagecoach road from Millerton.
The Town Changes
Hildreth's busiest time ended in 1896. That's when the post office closed down. This marked the "official" end of the town as it once was. Gold mining in the Hildreth area saw a small comeback in the late 1920s. However, the town never became a busy place again.
What Remains Today
By 2010, most of Hildreth was gone. Only the old schoolhouse and the cemetery remained. These stand as reminders of the community that once thrived there.
