Elmo is a census-designated place and unincorporated community in Kaufman County, Texas, United States. It is located on U.S. Highway 80, 6 miles (10 km) east of Terrell and 13 miles (21 km) northeast of Kaufman, the county seat. The population was 768 at the 2010 Census.
History
Elmo's history began in 1870 when the Texas and Pacific Railway laid track through the area. A community subsequently emerged at the railhead, and it was decided that the new town be named in honor of Elmo Scott, a T&P Railroad surveyor. Elmo received a post office in 1873, and by the mid-1880s, it possessed several mills, five churches, schools, and approximately 900 residents. Throughout the remainder of the 19th century, however, the population declined, and by 1945 only 150 people resided in Elmo. By 1990, this figure had fallen to 90 and remained at this level through to the 2000 Census.
In 1892, Elmo residents adopted a resolution declaring it a sundown town, prohibiting African Americans from living there and forcing existing black residents to leave.
Demographics
Elmo first appeared as a census designated place in the 2010 U.S. Census.
Notable person
- Henry Qualls (July 8, 1934 – December 7, 2003) — American texas blues and country blues guitarist and singer
See also
- List of sundown towns in the United States
References
External links
- ELMO, TX at Handbook of Texas Online
