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Our Community
Clayton and Union County History
About 100 million years ago, Clayton 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. 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 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. In the late 1880’s talk of a railroad was heard. 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.
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 restaurants, six motels, several convenience stores, and a full service campground.
Additional Information
For additional information about Clayton, New Mexico click on some of the links below. Search for Local information through media, attractions and local information.
Additional Information
 Clayton, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce
Clayton Economic and Development
Union County Genealogy
Education
County Schools
New Mexico Highlands University
Local Media
Current-Argus Newspaper
Union County and Northeast New Mexico News
Area Attractions
New Mexico State Parks
Capulin Volcano
Clayton Lake
Dry Cimarron, New Mexico Tours
Real Estate
Realestate.com
Cattle Town Co. Real Estate
B's Realty
Statistics
Union County Profile
Clayton Population And Demographics
Clayton, NM
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