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 ourdoor 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. |
