The town which eventually became Elba originated near a ferry across the Pea River in the early 1830s.

Originally called Bridgeville, a U.S. post office was established in the town by 1841.

[3] A logging railroad first reached Elba on March 20, 1892, with the first permanent rail line arriving in October 1898.

The Pea River frequently flooded, causing great damage to the town.

Another devastating flood occurred in 1929 when the river crested at a depth of 43.5 feet (13.3 m) early on March 15.

There was only one death from the flood, an African-American man named "Phoe" Larkins.

Vivian Harper received the Theodore N. Vail Silver Medal for her heroic actions during the flood.

The worst flood ever recorded in Elba occurred in 1990, with a river crest of 48 feet (15 m).

AL-125 runs northeast from the city 13 mi (21 km) to the community of Victoria.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[7] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,508 people, 1,427 households, and 917 families residing in the city.

32.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.