During the Civil War, a Home Guard post named Camp Rio Frio was built to protect the community from Apaches and bandits.

After the war, the community was called Dog Town and was reputed to be a lawless and bandit-filled place.

In 1881, Old McMullin College opened under the direction of John Van Epps Covey, and endorsed by the Baptist Church.

The grounds were enclosed by a low border of native stone and the Boot Hill Cemetery sign, a large boot made of masonry mounted on a large slab of petrified palm stump, was added to the cemetery grounds.

Public education in the community of Tilden is provided by the McMullen County Independent School District.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.