The Wears and the Selfs - two family names that are common in these parts - are the corner stones of what later became the City of Clay. While the most visible part of a community's history is the structures, the residents in the area know the longer-lasting legacy of a community's beginnings are in the relationships of the people. Family friendships that cross over generations and families, entertwined through marriage, create strong bonds. This is Clay's history. 
Indian History:
The Indians were the first to leave footprints on the reddish soil we have here. No doubt, they were attracted by the springs and abundant wildlife. The chirt in this area provided material for arrowheads, which are still found all over Clay. Just south of Cosby Lake, one local resident has found evidence of an Indian village dating to the Woodland period.
Early Settlers:
Surrounding communities, including Argo, Cedar Mount and Ayres, had colonial settlers before Clay. Ayres is on the north end and most of it is now inside the city's borders. Read more
Families:
Revolutionary War solder Samuel Wear settled in Clay by way of Cedar  Mount. Many of his decendants are still here. His cemetery has a marker for its historical value. Read more
First Post Office:
In time, the post offices came. Ayres, which later was called "Mt. Calvary" and sometimes called "Clayton's Cove," was the first in all the surrounding communities to have a post office. Read more
Nature Tourism:
The story of Clay's history cannot be told without relating that Clay used to be a place for nature tourism. Alabama Caverns, later known as McCluney's Cave and Crystal Cave, attracted sight-seers from ... Read more
General's Vacation Home:
The area was so beautiful, a prominent general decided to build his summer home on 600 acres here. The big home and cottages had a unique Japanese style. In 1903, he sold the property to the State of Alabama to become a training facility for delinquent girls. That property, with new buildings, is still in Clay southwest of Cosby Lake and used as the only state home for delinquent girls.
Recent History:
Urban sprawl and the natural beauty, along with an expansion of the sewer system, brought development pressures to the Clay community. The residents wanted to protect the area's unique lifestyle, so they voted to form a city in June 2000. After that, the city quickly grew from development and annexations.
The City of Clay works closely with the Clay Historical Society.
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History
