Clayton in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Town of Clayton

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 31, 2021

1. Town of Clayton Marker

Inscription. First known as Smyrna Station, the Town of Clayton began when the railroad came to this area in the mid-1850s. In 1860, the name was changed to honor Delawarean John M. Clayton, a former United States Secretary of State and strong advocate of the railroad. The town was incorporated on April 15, 1887. Clayton became one of Delmarva’s largest rail centers in the late nineteenth century – serving as the hub for four railroad lines including the Delaware Railroad, the Maryland & Delaware Railroad, the Spur Line to Smyrna, and the Smyrna and Delaware Bay Railroad. From 1885 to 1920, Clayton was Division Headquarters for the P. W. & B. – later succeeded by the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Erected 1997 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-59.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1861.

Location. 39° 17.5′ N, 75° 37.974′ W. Marker is in Clayton, Delaware, in Kent County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and North Bassett Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Touch for map

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. Marker is in this post office area: Clayton DE 19938, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Clayton Veterans Park (a few steps from this marker); Byrd's African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dedicated To All Who Served (approx. 0.4 miles away); "First in the World" (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of the Duck Creek Society of Friends (approx. 1.2 miles away); St. Peter's Episcopal Church (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named "First in the World" (approx. 1.3 miles away); a different marker also named St. Peter's Episcopal Church (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clayton.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 31, 2021

2. Town of Clayton Marker

Clayton Train Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

3. Clayton Train Station

Station is across the road from the marker.

Main Street of Clayton image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

4. Main Street of Clayton

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 896 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on December 16, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.