In 1867, Odum was originally known as Haslam, named after a sawmill owner. One year later, its name was changed to Satilla for the nearby Satilla Creek.
In 1870, it was known as Number Five for its railroad station. Then, in 1880, the town was given its current name, Odum, in honor of an early settler, Godfrey Odum.
The State of Georgia General Assembly incorporated Odum as a town on August 22, 1907. At that time, the corporate limits extended three-fourths of a mile in every direction. The corporate authorities were given the authority to modify, alter, change, and rectify the corporate limits.
The municipal government of Odum consisted of a mayor and five aldermen. The first mayor was Dr. J.T. Colvin, and F.C. Gurr, J.B. Clary, D.I. Carter, J.M. Bloodworth, and J.A. Odum were appointed as aldermen.
The first election was to be held on the third Wednesday in January 1908. At that time, a mayor and five aldermen were to be elected to serve a one-year term.
The mayor and council members had the power and authority to elect marshals, clerks, treasurer, and other necessary officers to carry on the affairs of Odum properly; prescribe the duties and fix the compensation of such officials; make and pass ordinances, by-laws, rules, and regulations which are deemed necessary for the good order, peace, health and government of Odum; have exclusive jurisdiction over the streets, alleys, sidewalks, drives, parks, and other property of Odum; keeping the same in good order, removing all obstructions of the same at the expenses of the person obstructing; construct and maintain waterworks, drainage and sewage systems, and other modern improvements, issuing bonds to pay for such costs; establish and regulate police, fire and sanitary protection for Odum; grant municipal franchises; raise revenue by taxation and grant licenses to defray the cost of government; regulate the sale and barter of merchandise within the limits of Odum, and the exhibition of shows.
In addition, the mayor and the aldermen have the power to enforce its ordinances, rules, and regulations by fines not exceeding fifty ($50.00) dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding thirty days. They also have the authority to levy a special tax for educational purposes.