Clayton
Events
The Clayton Trout Derby is among the states largest fishing competitions. Held each May it continues to grow, with past winners receiving golf carts and boats. Call 575-374-8808 for more details.
History
The Eklund Hotel building, built in 1892In the mid-1800’s, the Santa Fe Trail blazed through the area, about 15 miles north of today’s Clayton. As the railroad spread west from Fort Worth, Texas, in 1886, the spot where Clayton stands was determined be perfect to locate a town. It was centrally located between Amarillo and Trinidad, Colorado, there was water in the area, and it was a convenient shipping spot for livestock. By 1888, the first trains were leaving this new town, named Clayton after the son of Steven W. Dorsey, former Arkansas senator and New Mexico cattle rancher. In 1901, train robbing outlaw “Black Jack” Ketchum was captured and hung in Clayton. His head actually severed from his body, but was reattached for his burial. His grave marker lies in the Clayton Cemetery.
Culture
The Herzstein Memorial Museum is dedicated to preserving the culture of Union County through events and artifacts, including helping northeast New Mexican’s trace their genealogy.
The restored Luna Theater (4 Main St.) was built in 1916, and continues to show films today. Its distinct art-deco smiling moon sign was added in 1935.
The Luna TheaterFor more information on your stay in Clayton, check out the Clayton Tourism Department website.
Contact:
LeRoy Wood
Clayton MainStreet
P.O. Box 105
Clayton, NM 88415
120 South First Street
Clayton, NM 88415
Phone: 575.447.2856
