Adkins started as a flag station on the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway in the 1880s and was named for William Adkins Jones, who was given a land grant for the depot and switchyard that would develop there. A post office was established at Adkins in 1896. There were two churches and 100 people in the community in 1910, which went up to 150 in 1940 with four businesses. Its growth continued with San Antonio developing into a major city, with 241 residents and 32 businesses in 1990.[2]
Adkins is home of Cactus Land Brewing Co. The first craft brewery to ever open in Adkins in 2017. Brewing beers that range from pilsners, stouts, sours and IPA’s.
Adkins had its own school in 1910.[2] Today, the community is served by the East Central Independent School District. Salem Sayers Baptist Academy also serves the community.