County of site: Union County
Location of city: Central east side of county; crossroads of US-64 & US-412 & US-56
County of NE corner of state
County house location: 200 Court St. (NM-402), Clayton
Elevation: 5,056 ft (1,541 m)
Population: 2,874 (2013)
"The site of Clayton has been a crossroads ever since time began. About 100 million years ago it was a dinosaur track way on the edge of an ancient sea, and dinosaur tracks and bones are found throughout the area. The most impressive collection of tracks is at Clayton Lake State Park, where over 500 tracks have been documented. This area is open to the public with an interpretive center and a boardwalk around the site.
"Native Americans began coming through the area at least 10,000 years ago. Many traces of their passing have been found including various types of pottery, spear points, and even human remains buried in caves. The area was rife with buffalo, deer, and antelope, which made it a prime hunting ground.
"The Spanish were the first white men to pass through the area and it is believed that Coronado may have returned from his search for the Seven Cities of Gold following Indian and game trails that led past Rabbit Ears Mountain.
"The twin peaks of Rabbit Ears Mountain have always been an important landmark to travelers and were particularly noted by Santa Fe Trail caravans which passed through the area from 1821 through the 1870’s. The name Rabbit Ears was given to the volcanic outcroppings in honor of the Indian Chief Orejas de Conejo who was killed in battle with Spanish colonists in the early 1700’s.
"The Spanish, who populated the Rio Grande Valley, came to the area to hunt buffalo and other game every autumn and gradually sheepherders came this way looking for suitable forage for their flocks. After sheep camps were established, ranches began to appear, each isolated from its neighbors, and many days travel from any established towns or trade centers.
"In the late 1880’s talk of a railroad was heard and Stephen W. Dorsey, who had built a mansion at Mountain Spring about 60 miles west of Clayton, acquired access to the site where Clayton was eventually situated. A town site was laid out, named after Dorsey’s son Clayton, the railroad came right through the town, and the community began growing in leaps and bounds.
"Clayton immediately became a shipping point for cattle and soon big herds were being trailed up from the southern part of the New Mexico territory. The area drew cattle and sheep ranchers and later, farmers. To this day the focus is on ranching and farming.
"One of the early visitors to the area was Tom "Black Jack" Ketchum who first came to Clayton as a cowboy with the trail herds. He and his brother Sam later became outlaws and three times robbed the train near Folsom, west of Clayton. Tom was hung in Clayton in 1901 and is buried in the Clayton cemetery.
"Morris Herzstein settled in Clayton in the 1890’s and became a prominent merchant and rancher. His son Albert remembers a happy childhood in Clayton and contributed over a quarter of a million dollars to the Herzstein Memorial Museum making it one of the finest small museums to be found anywhere.
"Other attractions in Clayton include: an excellent library featuring a large collection of western literature, a 9-hole golf course, and many green spaces for picnicking and relaxing. The Kiowa National Grassland northeast of town encourages a stroll along the Santa Fe Trail and enjoyment of the area’s flora and fauna.
"In addition to dinosaur tracks, Clayton Lake State Park has excellent fishing, with picnic and camping facilities. Capulin Volcano National Monument has an informative visitor’s center and a view of five states from the top of the volcano.
"Clayton has a number of shops featuring arts, crafts, collectibles, souvenirs and other interesting merchandise. For the traveler there are nine eating establishments, six motels, several convenience stores, and a full service campground." ~ Clayton- Union County, Chamber of Commerce