After the Houston & Texas Central Railroad was built through this area in 1871, the town was platted in 1872 and named for Robert M. Elgin, H.& T.C. Land Commissioner. Brick and tile, for which Elgin is widely known, have been chief products here since 1882, when Thomas O'Connor made hand molded, sun-dried brick. Other manufacturing and agricultural products have bolstered the economy. Settlers of six ethnic origins made the city a center of cultural richness, with good homes, churches, and schools.