History

Incorporated on June 7, 1877, Elko, SC is a proud farming town in Barnwell, SC. The town's name was originally Mims. Because there was already a Mims in South Carolina, the postal service asked the town to rename. The name "Ninety Six" was considered. It was an informal name used by locals in and around the area because it is 96 miles from Charleston. Because there was already a Ninety Six in South Carolina, they had to choose another name. They settled on Elko.

Timeline:

  • October 30, 1857: Post office established as Mims.

  • ​September 12, 1871: Renamed and opened as Elko post office.

  • June 7, 1877: Town officially chartered in Barnwell County.

This sequence reflects common patterns where postal service predates formal municipal status in rural South Carolina communities.

A serene rural landscape featuring a field with green crops in the foreground, bordered by dense forest leading to distant rolling hills under a clear sky. A solitary red barn and a piece of farm machinery are visible amid the natural setting, hinting at agricultural activity.
A serene rural landscape featuring a field with green crops in the foreground, bordered by dense forest leading to distant rolling hills under a clear sky. A solitary red barn and a piece of farm machinery are visible amid the natural setting, hinting at agricultural activity.

Welcome to Elko, SC

Nestled in Barnwell County, we are a proud farming town, cherished for our rich history and vibrant community.

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Our Rural Heritage

Elko thrives on agriculture, producing peanuts and cotton, and is home to a dedicated town council and vibrant farmers market.

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