Local pride runs deep in little Elgin
Elgin is a small town with a big heart in rural Kershaw County. It’s home to established neighborhoods, longstanding traditions, local businesses and a growing population of roughly 2,000, about 25 miles outside of Columbia. “People move there for the close-knit community,” says longtime local Jeffrey Graham, broker and owner of Graham Realty. “That small-town feel, people knowing who you are, knowing your name. And it’s near Fort Jackson, so there are lots of military families.” From its rustic, turn-of-the-20th-century beginnings as a railroad stop and farming community, Elgin grew into a factory town, taking its new name from the principal employer then, the Elgin National Watch Company. That said, manufacturing and agriculture are still major components of the local economy and hometown pride.
Single-family homes and mature pinelands line quiet streets
Prices here range from under $200,000 to around $400,000. Most streets are residential, lined with single-family properties and pockets of mature pinelands. Historic homes include early 1900s cottages and farmhouses, along with midcentury brick ranch-style homes. More contemporary homes include New Traditional and Minimal Traditional snout houses, which are named for their large front-facing garages. Kershaw County is vulnerable to flooding due to its generally flat topography with gently rolling hills. Special flood zones surround the creeks and streams that run through Elgin’s north and south sides. Properties touching these zones may require flood insurance for federally backed mortgages.
Public schools in Elgin earn solid marks from Niche
Kershaw County School District receives an overall B grade from Niche, as does each school serving Elgin. Students north of U.S. Route 1 attend Blaney Elementary, while those south of the road head to Doby’s Mill Elementary. From there, they can go to Leslie M. Stover Middle before graduating from Lugoff-Elgin High. High schoolers in eleventh and twelfth grade can apply for the district’s dual credit program, offered by Central Carolina Technical College.
A playground, walking track and a beloved holiday fundraiser
Potter Community Park is the recreational heart of Elgin, centrally located on the main road, U.S. Route 1. It has a shaded playground, a walking track and ample open green space, but the park is probably best known for hosting town events, such as the Catfish Stomp. What started 50 years ago as a local fire department fundraiser has transformed into an annual block-party-like parade that collects funds to buy kids across Kershaw County Christmas presents. The event’s name comes from its early days, when the main dishes served were fried catfish and catfish stew.
Elgin’s main road offers food, fuel and everyday essentials
For a small town, Elgin has quite a robust dining scene with cuisines as varied as Mexican, Greek and Chinese. Chavela’s serves an authentic Mexican menu, from lengua tacos and carne asada to micheladas and margaritas. The Cornbread Cafe is a bistro with a menu of Southern staples like fried bologna, country-style grits and pecan pie. Much of the town’s commercial presence is focused around the main road, U.S. Route 1, so locals can easily gas up, run to the bank or shop for groceries at IGA or Food Lion when heading in or out of town. As for healthcare, there is an urgent care center less than 5 miles from Elgin. However, for after-hours emergencies, the nearest option is MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Northeast.
Easy Columbia commutes via I-20
Columbia Metropolitan Airport is about 35 miles away, and Interstate 20, which is within a 5-mile drive of car-dependent Elgin, takes drivers most of the way. It’s also the main leg of drives to Fort Jackson, under 20 miles from Elgin.
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
