Clayton in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Town of Clayton
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°
this page online
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 Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010
3. Clayton Train Station
Station is across the road from the marker.
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 815 times since then and 57 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.
