Hilda, in the "Sleytown" section of Barnwell County, was chartered in 1910. It grew up around a depot built there in 1903, soon after the Atlantic Coast Line R.R. extended its line through the area in 1897. H.C. Hutto was its first intendant, or mayor, and G.W. Delk, J.H. Delk, D.A. Dyches, and W.M. Dyches were its first wardens. According to tradition, Hilda was named for the friend or daughter of someone associated with the railroad.