Elgin, Texas

Elgin has been designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a National Main Street Community and became a Texas Main Street City in 1990. It offers many award-winning examples of historic preservation, including:

* The H & T C Freight Depot, built in 1872, which is the oldest building in Elgin. It currently houses the Elgin Chamber of Commerce.

*Union Depot, the original passenger depot, has been completely renovated and serves as a museum.

* The Nofsinger House, built in 1906, which houses the Elgin City Hall.

The historic district includes 14 city blocks. Most of these buildings are constructed of locally produced brick and were erected from 1872 to 1947. In fact, over 267 million bricks are produced here every year by three local brick companies, earning Elgin the title of “Brick Capital of the Southwest.” Barbecue lovers flock to Elgin. Over 3 million pounds of sausage are produced annually in our historic BBQ establishments, resulting in the Texas State Legislature officially designating our town the “Sausage Capital of Texas.” So be sure to pull up a chair and snap a sausage or two while you’re here. After lunch, walk to one of our unique antique shops and art galleries, where you’ll find local art and treasures galore.

Elgin Early History

The City of Elgin was created by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in 1872 and named for Robert Morris Elgin, a railroad land commissioner. The original plot placed the train depot in the center of a one-square mile area. Many of the original residents of the new town of Elgin came from Perryville, or “Hogeye” as it was nicknamed, located two miles south. The name Hogeye was given to the stage stop at the Litton home where the community dances were held; according to legend, the fiddler knew only one tune, “Hogeye,” which he played over and over as the crowd danced.

150th Celebrations in 2022

In 2022, the townsfolk came together for a year of #ETX150 celebrations and storytelling, including the dedication of a Time Capsule, which will be opened in 50 years.