What Is Clay County Known For?
Clay County is located in northeast Alabama, United States. It was established on December 7, 1866 and was named after Henry Clay, famous American statesman from Kentucky. According to the 2020 census, Clay County has a population of around 13,000 people. It is considered a rural county with agriculture playing an important role in its economy and culture. The county seat is Ashland and other notable towns include Lineville, Millerville and Hollins.
Clay County has a rich history going back to the early 19th century when it was still inhabited by Native American tribes. After Alabama became a state, settlers started moving into the area in the 1820s and 1830s. Cotton farming fueled early growth in the antebellum period. Clay County was formally created after the Civil War in 1866. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Clay County became an important center of populism and progressivism, with figures like Reuben F. Kolb being influential in state politics.
Agriculture
Agriculture has long been an important industry in Clay County. The county’s mild climate, sandy soil, and plentiful rainfall make it well-suited for a variety of crops and livestock production. Some of the main agricultural products in Clay County include:
Crops: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, watermelons, cotton, peanuts, soybeans, corn, hay (UF/IFAS Extension). The county is one of the top producers of strawberries in Florida.
Livestock: Beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys (Clay County UT Extension). Clay County has a robust cattle industry, including cow-calf operations and cattle finishing.
Other products: Timber, nursery crops, specialty crops like figs and honey (UF/IFAS Extension). The county is home to several timber and nursery plant operations.
There are also several farmers markets in the county that allow local farmers to sell their fresh produce, meats, and other agricultural products directly to consumers.
Green Cove Springs
Green Cove Springs is a city in Clay County known for its many springs and historic buildings. Some of the main attractions and landmarks in Green Cove Springs include:
The Clay County Historical Museum – Located in the former County Jail building built in 1891, this museum showcases the history and culture of Clay County (https://www.claycountygov.com/departments/historical-cultural-and-archival-programs/clay-county-historical-museum).
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church – Built in 1880, this historic church features stained glass windows and hosts community events.
Spring Park – This public park provides swimming and recreational access to the springs along with picnic facilities.
Clay County Courthouse – The historic courthouse was built in 1909 and is an iconic landmark in the city.
Green Cove Springs first developed around its medicinal springs in the 1800s. By 1860 it became a popular health resort, with steamboats carrying visitors down the St. Johns River. After the Civil War it continued to grow as a winter resort destination in the late 1800s. The construction of the Clay County Courthouse in 1909 helped establish Green Cove Springs as the county seat. While tourism declined in the 20th century, the city’s historic buildings and springs remain major attractions today.
Orange Park
Orange Park is a town in western Clay County known for its many parks, golf courses, and historic sites. Some of the main attractions in Orange Park include the Orange Park Mall, the Clay County Historical Museum, Moosehaven Retirement Community, and Treaty Oak Park (Town of Orange Park).
Orange Park was founded in 1877 and originally named “Laurel Grove”. The town was renamed Orange Park in 1886 after tourists began comparing its oak trees to orange trees. The Treaty Oak in Treaty Oak Park is believed to be over 275 years old and served as a meeting place for Native Americans and early settlers (Orange Park, Florida).
Today, Orange Park’s historic downtown along Park Avenue features boutiques, restaurants, and antique stores. The Clay County Historical Museum includes exhibits on the history of Clay County and Orange Park. Popular events in Orange Park include the Christmas parade and Orange Park Festival of the Arts (Orange Park Florida).
Keystone Heights
Keystone Heights is a small city located in southwestern Clay County, Florida. It sits on the southern end of the county and is known for its many lakes in the area. Some of the main attractions and landmarks in Keystone Heights include Rainbow Springs State Park, Gold Head Branch State Park, and the Keystone Heights Airport which hosts an annual fly-in (Keystone Heights, n.d.).
Keystone Heights has a history dating back to the late 1800s when it was first settled. However, it did not officially incorporate as a city until 1925. Most of Clay County remained largely rural and undeveloped during the Depression era. In 1939, in anticipation of WWII, the U.S. government established Camp Blanding which brought an influx of people and workers to the area. After WWII, Keystone Heights continued to grow as a residential community known for its natural springs and lakes (About Keystone Heights, n.d.).
Today, Keystone Heights is still a small, quiet town that maintains its natural environment and provides a variety of outdoor recreational activities for residents and visitors.
Keystone Heights, n.d. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keystone_Heights,_Florida
About Keystone Heights, n.d. Retrieved from: https://www.keystoneheights.us/community/page/about-keystone-heights
Military Presence
Clay County has a strong military presence due to several military bases located within the county. Camp Blanding, located in the central part of Clay County, is one of the major training bases in Florida (Camp Blanding Army Base in Starke, Florida – Military Bases). Established in 1939, Camp Blanding covers over 73,000 acres and has supported training exercises through World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the War on Terrorism. Today, Florida National Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy Reserve and Air Force Reserve all conduct training at Camp Blanding. The base provides a major economic boost to the county through local spending by military personnel.
In addition to Camp Blanding, Naval Air Station Jacksonville has two outlying fields located in Clay County – Naval Outlying Field Whitehouse and Naval Outlying Landing Field Spencer (Military Trail – Clay County). These both serve an important role in training and readiness for Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The naval presence also contributes jobs and economic activity for the county.
Overall, Clay County’s long history of military bases and training facilities has provided jobs and economic benefits while shaping the character and culture of the region.
Outdoor Recreation
Clay County offers some of the most beautiful outdoor recreation spots in the country. Clay County is home to parts of Camp Chowenwaw Park, a 330 acre recreation area with hiking, biking, and equestrian trails along with camping and fishing spots (https://www.claycountygov.com/community/camp-chowenwaw-park). The county also has natural streams and forests perfect for off-road adventures (https://www.claycountykentucky.org/adventure/).
Camp Chowenwaw Park features over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through hardwood forests and cross over creeks and ravines. The park also has primitive campsites, picnic shelters, and access for fishing and kayaking in Doctors Lake. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and bikes on-site.
The mountain forests and streams of Clay County provide excellent options for off-road driving, ATV trails, hiking, fishing, and more. The county has hundreds of miles of rugged backcountry trails perfect for off-road enthusiasts. Popular spots include the Pioneer Trail system and the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway which goes through the scenic Red River Gorge area.
Historic Sites
Clay County has several historic sites and landmarks that showcase its rich history. Some of the main attractions include:
The Jesse James Birthplace and Museum commemorates the famous outlaw Jesse James, who was born in Clay County. The museum features artifacts and information about Jesse James and his gang. According to the Clay County government website, it is located at 21216 Jesse James Farm Road in Kearney.
The Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site contains the oldest continuously operating wool mill in the country. Built in 1848, the mill and surrounding buildings provide a glimpse into the area’s past. The Visit Clay County tourism website notes the site is located at 9625 MO-92 in Lawson.
The Clay County Museum in Liberty offers exhibits and artifacts chronicling the area’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. Topics include Native American heritage, pioneers, railroads, Jesse James, and more. According to the museum website, it is located at 14 North Main Street in Liberty.
The Historic Pharis Farm near Kansas City preserves an early 20th century farmstead. Visitors can tour the 1916 Craftsman-style farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings. The farm is located at 20611 EE Highway near Missouri City, as listed on Visit Clay County.
Arts and Culture
Clay County has a vibrant arts and culture scene with museums, art galleries, live performances, and cultural events throughout the year. Some of the highlights include:
The Clay County Historical Museum in Green Cove Springs features exhibits on the history and culture of Clay County. Rotating exhibits cover various topics like the railroads, citrus industry, and indigenous peoples (Clay County – Our Creative Promise).
The Art Guild of Orange Park is a nonprofit that promotes visual arts in Clay County through classes, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events. They host the annual Arts and Crafts Festival which showcases local artists (Promoting Visual Arts and Culture in Clay County).
The Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts in Orange Park hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and other live performances throughout the year. It’s a major cultural venue for the region.
Annual events like Hoggetowne Medieval Faire and the Clay County Agricultural Fair celebrate the unique culture and heritage of the county.
There are also many small art galleries, craft fairs, and cultural festivals happening year-round that showcase the works of local artists and performers.
Notable People
Clay County has been home to many famous people over the years. According to sources, some of the most notable famous people from Clay County include Bonnie and Clyde, country music singer Josh Turner, and astronaut Robert Springer (“Most famous person from each of Florida’s 67 counties”).
The notorious crime couple Bonnie and Clyde spent time hiding out in Clay County while on the run from the law in 1934. They rented a secluded cottage near Black Creek and planned bank robberies from there (“Add Bonnie & Clyde to the list of famous people with connections to Clay County”).
Josh Turner, a country music singer known for hits like “Long Black Train” and “Your Man”, was born in Hannah, South Carolina but moved to Clay County as a child. He graduated from Clay County High School in 1996.
Astronaut Robert Springer was born in Green Cove Springs and became an engineer and pilot for NASA. He flew on two space shuttle missions in 1989 and 1990.
Other notable people from Clay County’s history include Zora Neale Hurston, a famous author who grew up in Eatonville, and MaVynee Betsch, an activist known as the Beach Lady who worked to preserve American Beach.
