HILDA, TEXAS

Texas Ghost Town
Mason County, Texas Hill Country

30° 35' 13" N, 99° 6' 52" W (30.586944, -99.114444)
Near Beaver Creek
Half mile E of RR 783
About 5 Miles W of Highway 83
About 40 Miles NW of Fredericksburg
About 23 Miles NE of Harper
Population: Anyone’s guess

Hilda, Texas Area Hotels › Fredericksburg Hotels

Low water crossing near Hilda
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, May 2004

History in a Pecan Shell

Transmigrating German immigrants arrived here in the mid 1850s to avoid the overflowing towns of New Braunfels and Fredericksburg. Indians made life difficult for the settlers and staple supplies required a trip to Fredericksburg.

Originally named Beaver Creek, the name Hilda was submitted when a post office was applied for. Hilde Schulze, a relative to the postmistress was the community’s namesake. In 1865 a Methodist church / school building was constructed. In the early 1890s a separate school was constructed. The original church was razed in 1902 and a new building built from the original stone.

Growth was between slow and nonexistent. The post office closed in 1919 and although no exact population figures are available, it was estimated that 35 families occupied the immediate countryside surrounding the stone church, most of them engaged in sheep and cattle raising.

Bethel M. E. Church

Historical Marker:
Built 1862. Second church of any faith in Mason County. Housed first school in the county.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965

Bethel M.E. Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Hilda, Texas - Bethel M.E. Church cornerstone

Bethel M.E. Church cornerstone
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011
More Texas Cornerstones

Hilda, Texas - Bethel M.E. Church historical marker

Bethel M.E. Church historical marker
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Hilda, Texas - Bethel M.E. Church Cottage

Church Cottage
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Photographer's Note:
The little cottages were called ESSHAUS'S. These ESSHAUS'S were used by church members who would drive their wagons or buggies from far out in the country. Sometimes staying 2 nights and returning home after church or the following day. They have 2 of these restored. There were about 8 people around doing yard work & maintenance and had a great time visiting with all the friendly folks!!!!

This Church may be small & off the beaten path but it's very much active. - Will Beauchamp, March 2011

Hilda, Texas - Bethel M.E. Church Cottage plaque

Church Cottage plaque
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Another view of Church Cottage
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Hilda, Texas - Bethel M.E. Church picture

Bethel M.E. Church picture
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Hilda, Texas - Bethel M.E. Church door knob

Well used church door knob
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Hilda, Texas - Bethel M.E. Church out building

Church out building
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Hilda Methodist Cemetery
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011

Another view of Bethel M.E. Church
Photo courtesy Will Beauchamp, 2011
More Texas Churches

Brandenberger Ranch in Hilda
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, October 2003

Hilda, Texas - Brandenberger Ranch House

Brandenberger Ranch House
Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2004

Residents in Hilda
TE Photo , 2001

Nearby Destinations

FM 783 South to Harper, another 22 miles to Kerrville

FM 783 North to US 87, then North to Mason, or South to Fredericksburg

Book Hotel Here:
Fredericksburg Hotels | More Hotels

Mason County 1907 Postal map showing Hilda
S of Mason
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

Take a road trip

Hilda, Texas Nearby Towns:
Mason the county seat
Loyal Valley
Fredericksburg

See Mason County | Gillespie County

Texas Hill Country

Book Hotel Here:
Fredericksburg Hotels | More Hotels

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and vintage/historic photos, please contact us.