Elgin, Texas: A Name with a Whole Lotta Sausage
So, you're wondering how Elgin, Texas got its name? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a thrilling journey through time, or at least as far back as 1872.
A Railroad Romance
Turns out, Elgin wasn't always Elgin. It was once a sleepy little spot known as Glasscock, which, let's be honest, doesn't exactly roll off the tongue like a Texas-sized barbecue pit. But fear not, for the Houston and Texas Central Railroad was on a mission to bring civilization (and train schedules) to the wild frontier.
Enter Robert Morriss Elgin, the railroad's land commissioner. Now, this guy clearly had a knack for self-promotion, because he managed to convince his boss to name a whole town after him. And just like that, Glasscock became Elgin. It's like getting your name on a star, but way less expensive and with a lot more barbecue.
Elgin: More Than Just a Name
While the name might be a product of railroad bureaucracy, Elgin itself has become a legend in its own right. Known as the Sausage Capital of Texas, this town takes its meaty reputation seriously. If you ever find yourself craving a link that could tackle a grizzly bear, Elgin is your promised land.
And let's not forget about the bricks. Yep, Elgin is also the Brick Capital of the Southwest. So, next time you're building a house, remember, you could be using a piece of Elgin history. Just don't ask it to hold up your sausage.
How to Become an Elgin Expert
How to pronounce Elgin?
- EL-jin, not El-GYNE.
How to order sausage in Elgin?
- Start with a hearty appetite and a willingness to share.
How to appreciate Elgin's brick heritage?
- Admire the local architecture and maybe even invest in a brick or two for your own backyard.
How to experience the true spirit of Elgin?
- Attend the Elgin Sausage Festival, of course!
How to remember the story of Elgin's name?
- Just think of a railroad executive with a big ego and a love for self-promotion.
So there you have it, the fascinating tale of how Elgin, Texas got its name. It's a story of railroads, sausage, and bricks – a trifecta that can only be found in the Lone Star State. Now, who's ready for a road trip?
