Clayton

CLAYTON
MIWOK INDIANS INHABITED THIS VALLEY AT THE BASE
OF MT DIABLO WHEN SPANISH EXPLORERS CAME IN THE 1770's.
SCOUTS, TRAPPERS, PROSPECTORS AND SETTLERS FOLLOWED
IN 1857 CLAYTON WAS FOUNDED BY JOE CLAYTON, A
MINER, FARMER, AND WAGONMASTER FROM ENGLAND. COAL, COPPER
AND QUICKSILVER MINES DEVELOPED NEARBY CREATING
BUSTLING DOWNTOWN WITH STAGE SERVICE AND A POST OFFICE
ESTABLISHED 1861. WHEN MINING DECLINED, FARMING AND
RANCHING PROSPERED WITH ORCHARDS, VINEYARDS, HORSES AND
CATTLE.
EVENTUALLY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT BLENDED WITH
THIS PASTORAL SETTING. TO PRESERVE IT UNIQUE IDENTITY
AND RURAL CHARM CLAYTON INCORPORATED IN 1964.