Remember the names Elko and New Market. Once separate, they now stand as Elko New Market.
Elko New Market is more than just a name. It’s a tale of two cities becoming one. The story of Elko New Market begins long before its official founding in 2006.
Elko started as a railway village back in 1858. New Market shares a similar timeline. It was initially named Jackson. Later, it was renamed after the town near Cambridge, England. Both towns carry common names from that era.
The Minnesota Historical Society confirms this. Imagine these two places growing side by side.
In 2006, a big decision came. Elko and New Market voted to merge. The referendum passed on March 21. The merger took effect on January 1, 2007. Elko New Market was born.
Elko New Market sits in Scott County. It lies midway between Minneapolis and Faribault. It’s part of the southern exurban belt of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.
Elko New Market covers 3.49 square miles. All of it is land.
Elko played a special role with the Chicago-St. Paul Railroad. New Market, on the other hand, was known as a German Catholic community. Elko included many Scandinavian Lutherans. These cultural differences add depth to the area’s history.
The Elko Speedway opened in 1964. It continues to be a local attraction. Though the railroad left in 1977, Elko Speedway keeps the spirit alive.
Elko New Market provides a unique blend of small-town charm. It is located just south of the Twin Cities.
Elko New Market has seen rapid growth in recent years. It became the fastest-growing city in Minnesota. Elko New Market offers shopping, recreation, and entertainment. It’s a great place to call home.
The population was 4,846 at the 2020 census. The latest estimate for 2024 is 5,200 residents. Elko New Market continues to evolve. Elko New Market stands as a testament to collaboration and progress.