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Elgin, South Carolina, rests along the southern edge of Kershaw County, bordering Richland County and the greater Columbia metropolitan region. The area's earliest inhabitants were members of the Catawba and Wateree tribes who used the nearby rivers for trade and fishing. European settlers began arriving in the mid-1700s as the Carolina frontier opened up, attracted by fertile lands and proximity to Camden, one of South Carolina's oldest inland towns. The region remained sparsely populated for generations, characterized by scattered farms, woodlands, and small trading posts. Elgin did not formally emerge as a named settlement until the 19th century, originally called "Blaney," a rural stop along the Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the arrival of the railroad sparked economic opportunity for the area's farmers and merchants. Cotton dominated the local economy, and the rail connection allowed produce and timber to reach markets in Camden, Columbia, and Charleston. General stores, a post office, and a handful of industries followed, anchoring a community centered around the rail depot. When industrialist W. G. Elgin established a brick manufacturing business near the rail line in the 1920s, the area's name was changed to honor him. For decades, the Elgin Brick Company was one of the region's primary employers, supplying materials to construction projects across the Midlands.

Infrastructure development in the 20th century greatly shaped Elgin's growth. U.S. Highway 1 became the main east-west corridor connecting the town to Columbia and Camden, while Interstate 20 later enhanced regional accessibility. Electricity, public schools, and expanded utilities arrived mid-century, encouraging residential growth beyond its rural roots. The town's location—between urban and agricultural centers—allowed Elgin to evolve as a bedroom community for the Columbia area while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Elgin's community character is defined by family-oriented values and Southern hospitality. Residents take pride in local traditions such as the annual Catfish Stomp Festival, held each December to celebrate the town's heritage with parades, food, and music. The Kershaw County School District serves the area with modern facilities, and churches remain an important part of community life. While Elgin has experienced residential expansion due to its proximity to Columbia's economic hub, it has managed to retain its welcoming, tight-knit feel. The town's blend of heritage, civic engagement, and local pride make it a place where neighbors still know each other by name.

Today, Elgin is a vibrant community experiencing steady growth as families and professionals seek affordable housing and small-town quality of life within commuting distance of Columbia. Residential neighborhoods mix with farmland, and local businesses line Main Street. The town's strategic location along major routes makes it an ideal choice for those balancing urban work and rural peace. Parks, schools, and new business developments continue to enhance Elgin's appeal, positioning it as one of Kershaw County's most desirable places to live and work.