The former reservation of the Kiowa and Comanche Indians was opened to settlement in 1901. Each Indian was allotted a 160 acre tract of his or her choice; the remainder was open to others by lottery. As people moved into the Oklahoma Territory, a railroad shipping point was needed. The town site of Elgin was selected as a “section” town by Frisco Railroad as they connected Oklahoma City to Quanah, Texas thus establishing the town of Elgin in 1902.
Elgin was first named Cee Gee after an early town promoter by the name of C.G. Jones. Postal authorities rejected the name because of another town with a similar sounding name. The name “Elgin” was suggested by a settler who had visited Elgin, Illinois and apparently liked the name.
Elgin was one of several towns considered for the Fort Sill Artillery School, but to the citizens’ disappointment, Lawton was selected as the location.
On November 16, 1907, Elgin territory became Elgin, Oklahoma and Oklahoma became the 46th state.
Elgin had three main streets: the original main street was from G to H on 5th Street. The second main street was from 5th to 8th on G Street. The current main street is 8th Street, which is also State Highway 17.
The first city ordinances were written in 1909 on the back of an advertisement. The fines for breaking the ordinances were a bit high for 1909. For example: drawing weapons fine $25-$100, profane language fine $25, public drunk fine $25, and encouraging a dog fight fine $100.
Agriculture was the main focus for many years in and around Elgin. Ranching and farming is still a strong part of Elgin’s quality of life and economy. Elgin’s Indian and pioneer heritage is a strong part of the community and the school system. The pride that comes from the Indian heritage and the pioneer spirit gives Elgin a small town attitude with a strong, caring heart.
The founding of Elgin Realty in 1958 gave Elgin a jump-start over many of the small towns in the area. New homes were built in the “new addition” (also started by Elgin Realty) and the town started a new growing spurt encouraged by civil service and military families that wanted the quality lifestyle that comes with a smaller community, extraordinary schools, and an easy commute to work.
Elgin’s large school district brings children into town and gives Elgin a school population that is larger than the city’s population. The school size gives students the classes they desire and extracurricular activities seldom found in a smaller town. Elgin’s students and population enjoy the luxury of a high quality academic school with great physical accommodations while still benefiting from a small town location without many of the big city problems.
Elgin’s strong suit has been and still is Quality of Life. Elgin residents pride themselves in strong parent participation in school activities, many fine churches, and active growing civic organizations. Opportunities for new business ideas and existing business growth are outstanding. We welcome you to move to Elgin and make yourself and your family a part of Elgin’s future.
A brief history of Elgin (taken from “A History of Elgin” copyrighted in 1976 by the Elgin Bicentennial History Book Committee).
