The Town of Clayton, in Johnston County, North Carolina is built on the site of an Indian trading path through territory that is now Johnston and Wake counties. Called the Green Path, this old Indian route was established by Tuscaroras, an Iroquoian-speaking tribe. By the mid 1700's, a stage line (New Bern to Hillsborough) relay station was established here, near the home of a widow, Mrs. Sarah Stallings. In 1771, Governor William Tryon's troops established a road along this well-traveled path in their effort to control North Carolina Colonial Patriot rebellion.

The first battle of the Revolution (1771) was known as "The Battle of Alamance." The area is now a popular tourist attraction also boasting the Allen House, a period log-cabin.

The Civil War devastated Johnston County. The Town of Clayton was incorporated, along with Bentonsville, Beulah, Boon Hill, Elevation, Ingrams, Meadow, O'Neals, Pleasant Grove, Selma, Smithfield, and Wilders, in 1869. Today, with a population of approx 8,700, it is the second largest town in Johnston County.

The excellent soil and climate conditions, make Clayton an excellent agricultural area. Clayton residents love the land and the soil, but intend to keep their economy diversified and strong. Proximity to Durham's Duke University Medical Center and to Research Triangle Park are good selling points to industry. Several research farms and laboratories are located here, as well as industries, such as Bayer, Caterpillar, Champion Products, Novo Nordisk (a Danish pharmaceutical company), Winn-Dixie, Fresenius Kabi (a Swedish pharmaceutical company), and C & K.

Family oriented, ClaytonOnline.com presents an excellent Kids Zone with riddles, crafts, stories, and activities. Recreation includes cultural activities as well as family oriented ourdoor sports and recreation such as fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and golf. The Neuse Golf Club, Pine Hollow Golf Club, and Riverwood Golf Club serve the immediate local area, with most of North Carolina's championship golf courses within an hour's drive.

Although there is much controversy about the naming of Clayton, there is no doubt that it was named in honor of Senator John Middleton Clayton (1796 - 1856) from Delaware.

Located near two interstate highways: I-40 and I-95, Clayton sits on the western edge of Johnston County. Clayton is about 15 minutes to the east of the state capitol of North Carolina, Raleigh, and about 30 minutes from NC's world famous Research Triangle Park. Clayton is a prosperous town with rapid residential growth and excellent quality of life benefits.