In the early 19th century the most important Eagle chief at Hiellen, who occupied the largest house, was known as Sqilao.

[3] Nearby Taaw Tldáaw (formerly Tow Hill), a steep-sided remnant volcanic plug, was not only an important landmark for canoes crossing Dixon Entrance, but also served Hiellen defensively.

According to Tsimshian war narratives collected by Marius Barbeau, there was an elaborate fort built on the hill, with pallisades set at overhanging angles and entry limited to a trap door.

According to oral history collected by John R. Swanton, around 1860 a war party of Haida Ravens from Hiellen attacked the Nisga'a near their village of Anguidah on the Nass River.

In 1981 the National Museums of Canada conducted an archaeological survey, which was able to locate the sites of five houses, though there were probably more in proto- and prehistoric times.