Elgin, Missouri facts for kids

Elgin is a small place in Shelby County, in the United States of Missouri. It is known as an "unincorporated community." This means it is a group of homes and businesses that does not have its own official local government, like a city or town would. Instead, it is managed by the larger county government.

A Look Back: Elgin's History

The community of Elgin started to grow in the late 1800s. A post office was opened there in 1887. Back then, post offices were very important. They were the main way people sent and received letters and packages. This helped connect the community to other places.

However, the post office in Elgin did not stay open forever. It closed its doors in 1907. This often happened as roads and transportation got better. People could then travel to larger towns to get their mail.

The community of Elgin was named after a man called George Elgin. He was a "pioneer citizen." This means he was one of the first people to settle in the area. He helped to build up the community. Naming places after important early settlers was a common practice in those times.