The Town of Clayton,
in Johnston County, North Carolina is built on the
site of an Indian trading path through territory that
is now Johnston and Wake counties. Called the Green
Path, this old Indian route was established by
Tuscaroras, an Iroquoian-speaking tribe. By the mid
1700's, a stage line (New Bern to Hillsborough) relay
station was established here, near the home of a
widow, Mrs. Sarah Stallings. In 1771, Governor William
Tryon's troops established a road along this
well-traveled path in their effort to control North
Carolina Colonial Patriot rebellion.
The first battle of the
Revolution (1771) was known as "The
Battle of Alamance." The area is now a
popular tourist attraction also boasting the Allen
House, a period log-cabin.
The Civil War
devastated Johnston County. The Town of Clayton was
incorporated, along with Bentonsville, Beulah, Boon
Hill, Elevation, Ingrams, Meadow, O'Neals, Pleasant
Grove, Selma,
Smithfield,
and Wilders, in 1869. Today, with a population of
approx 8,700, it is the second largest town in
Johnston County.
The excellent soil and
climate conditions, make Clayton an excellent
agricultural area. Clayton residents love the land and
the soil, but intend to keep their economy diversified
and strong. Proximity to Durham's Duke
University Medical Center and to Research
Triangle Park are good selling points to industry.
Several research farms and laboratories are located
here, as well as industries, such as Bayer,
Caterpillar, Champion Products, Novo Nordisk (a Danish
pharmaceutical company), Winn-Dixie, Fresenius Kabi (a
Swedish pharmaceutical company), and C & K.
Family oriented,
ClaytonOnline.com presents an excellent Kids Zone with riddles, crafts, stories, and
activities. Recreation includes cultural activities as
well as family oriented outdoor sports and recreation
such as fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and
golf. The Neuse Golf Club, Pine Hollow Golf Club, and Riverwood Golf Club serve the immediate local area, with
most of North Carolina's championship golf courses
within an hour's drive.
Although there is much
controversy about the naming of Clayton, there is no
doubt that it was named in honor of Senator John
Middleton Clayton (1796 - 1856) from Delaware.
Located near two
interstate highways: I-40 and I-95, Clayton sits on
the western edge of Johnston County. Clayton is about
15 minutes to the east of the state capitol of North
Carolina, Raleigh,
and about 30 minutes from NC's world famous Research
Triangle Park. Clayton is a prosperous town with
rapid residential growth and excellent quality of life
benefits.
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