The history and heritage of the City of Clayton goes back a long way. Clayton is settled on the site where a road was constructed during the War of the Regulator. An often overlooked, but important, peice of American history, the War of the Regulator involved the people of North Carolina rising up to fight the tyrannical colonial powers. Although the rebellion by the people had failed, this war was one of the many acts that led to the American Revolutionary War, and the community that would become Clayton played a central role.

Besides that peice of history, Clayton also was an important place during the American Civil War. The men of Clayton formed a fierce fighting unit known as the Clayton Yellow Jackets. Clayton's history is chronicled by the Johnston County Historical Society. But enough of history and onto the present and future.

Clayton is the second largest city in east-central North Carolina's Johnston County. The city is close to major highways, AMTRAK railways, and airport making travelling very convenient. Because of this, commuting to nearby Raleigh (15 miles), Research Triangle Park (30 miles), and Durham (35 miles) easy.

Clayton is also close to many recreational escapes. Nearby Jordan, Falls, Kerr, and Harris Lakes are great for your water activities and the Atlantic coast is just 120 miles to the east for some saltwater action. Clemmons State Forest is just round the corner for hiking and camping.