About the

City of Clay

The area that would become the City of Clay was already home to families, churches, and a growing rural community before Birmingham was even founded. Nestled among the forests, lakes, and hills of northeastern Jefferson County, the region was originally inhabited primarily by the Cherokee and Creek tribes.

Early Settlement

Evidence of their presence, including arrowheads and spearheads, has been discovered near Cosby Lake and along Clay–Palmerdale Road. These early inhabitants moved seasonally throughout the region, settling near rivers, streams, and lakes that provided food, transportation, and natural resources.

Historical records indicate the earliest documented non-Native settlers arrived around 1806, settling in nearby Ayres and what would later become the Clay community. Among the earliest families were the Selfs and Wares, whose influence remains part of Clay's heritage today.

During the mid-19th century, several families received land grants through federal homestead programs, allowing citizens to claim 160 acres of government land by living on and improving it for five years. One early recipient, Elijah Self, acquired land in the 1850s near the intersection of Clay–Palmerdale Road and Self Road, transforming the wooded landscape into working farms. Remarkably, some of his descendants continue to live on portions of that original land today.

The Shiloh Community

Before becoming known as Clay, the area was called "Shiloh" or "Shiloh's Beat," named for a local Methodist church near the intersection of Old Springville Road and Clay–Palmerdale Road. The community developed along the Georgia Road — now Old Springville Road — a major early transportation route connecting the Carolinas to Birmingham that served as a corridor for wagons, travelers, and commerce.

A stagecoach stop once stood near the Wade home in Ayres, and as transportation evolved, the old General Store at the top of Trussville-Clay Road (now an engine repair shop) later served as a bus stop offering day trips to Birmingham, Springville, and Gadsden. For much of the 1960s through early 1980s, Bailey's Auto and Tire — known locally as the "Oil Pump" — was the only gas and service station serving the Clay area.

Historic Churches and Cemeteries

Faith communities have long played an important role in Clay's life. Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church is considered the oldest continuously active Presbyterian congregation in Jefferson County. Its cemetery has become a valuable resource for genealogical research, with some of the earliest graves marked only by simple stones.

Early Families and Community Heritage

One notable early resident was Samuel Wear, a Revolutionary War veteran who settled in the Clay area and is buried in the historic Wear Cemetery off Old Springville Road. Many of his descendants still reside in the community today.

Numerous other families helped shape Clay's identity, including the Goodwins, Chandlers, Holmes, Tuckers, Sellers, Moores, Buckners, Fraziers, Taylors, Claytons, Pearsons, Perkins, Chamblees, McClendons, Hicks, Wades, Vanns, and Carlisles. Their contributions built the farms, churches, schools, and civic traditions that defined the area for generations.

Growth of the Town of Clay

The first post office opened in 1878. By local tradition, the first postmaster named the town "Clay" in recognition of the distinctive red clay soil that characterizes the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Clay became known for natural attractions including the Alabama Caverns — also known as McCluney's Cave or Crystal Caverns — which drew visitors from across the region before closing in the 1960s. Nearby Cosby Lake also developed into a popular recreational destination and remains a treasured natural asset for residents and visitors today.

Incorporation and Modern Clay

For much of its history, Clay remained a close-knit rural community that grew alongside neighboring Trussville, Pinson, and Chalkville. The opening of Deerfoot Parkway in the late 1980s created quick access to Interstate 59, though Old Springville Road remains the main artery connecting Clay to nearby communities.

In June 2000, residents voted to formally incorporate the City of Clay, marking a new chapter in the community's long history. Chalkville later became part of the city following incorporation.

Today, Clay honors its deep historical roots while embracing thoughtful growth. From its Native American heritage and pioneer families to its churches, natural landmarks, and strong sense of community, the City of Clay is a place where history and progress meet — a unique and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.