Hilltop was originally a water hole called Marble City, with some mining in the 1860s. In 1907, gold was discovered in the old workings as well as in the surrounding area. By 1910, Hilltop had a population of around 200, a hotel, saloons, a newspaper, stores, and a post office. A ten-stamp mill was erected in 1912. By 1918 the mining activity slowed and only about 50 residents remained. The post office was closed in 1931.