Some towns have made an effort to preserve their rail history. One of the towns I have seen that has done a great job is Hilda, SC. Hilda is located in Barnwell County, SC and is 6.75 miles from Barnwell. Its population in 2022 was 425. The town still has the open platform depot, an M-5 caboose, and former grade crossing signals. A walking path exists along the location of the former right of way of the railroad tracks. Hilda developed around the Atlantic Coast Line Depot that was built in 1903 following the laying of tracks through the area in 1897. The rail line in this area was abandoned by CSX approximately 1989. |