Clay in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Clay Community
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
1. The Clay Community Marker
Inscription.
The Clay Community. . The clay soil of the area, first cultivated by Creek Indians, gave this agricultural community it name in 1878 when a post office was established. Clay’s historical roots date to the early 1800s through two small communities, Ayres and Self’s Beat, documented by the founding of Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church around 1806 and Cedar Mountain Church (now Clay United Methodist Church) in 1819. In early years, the community was a stagecoach stop along the route from Elyton (now part of Birmingham) to Gadsden. , Lying in the Appalachian foothills, Clay is cherished for its environmental beauty, history, and landmarks. It is uniquely positioned in three watershed basins: the Black Warrior, Cahaba and Coosa. The Cahaba, Alabama’s longest free-flowing river, originates from springs just northeast of Clay. Clay is home to Butler Mountain, Jefferson County’s highest elevation. Incorporated in June 2000, Clay now includes Chalkville and its rich heritage, including Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church established in 1819.
The clay soil of the area, first cultivated by Creek Indians, gave this agricultural community it name in 1878 when a post office was established. Clay’s historical roots date to the early 1800s through two small communities, Ayres and Self’s Beat, documented by the founding of Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church around 1806 and Cedar Mountain Church (now Clay United Methodist Church) in 1819. In early years, the community was a stagecoach stop along the route from Elyton (now part of Birmingham) to Gadsden.
Lying in the Appalachian foothills, Clay is cherished for its environmental beauty, history, and landmarks. It is uniquely positioned in three watershed basins: the Black Warrior, Cahaba and Coosa. The Cahaba, Alabama’s longest free-flowing river, originates from springs just northeast of Clay. Clay is home to Butler Mountain, Jefferson County’s highest elevation. Incorporated in June 2000, Clay now includes Chalkville and its rich heritage, including Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church established in 1819.
Erected 2010 by Alabama Tourism Department and the City of Clay.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is June 2000.
Location. 33° 42.022′ N, 86° 36.204′
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W. Marker is in Clay, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Springville Road (County Road 30) north of Deerfoot Parkway, on the right when traveling north. Marker located in front of the Clay City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6757 Old Springville Road, Clay AL 35048, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
2. The Clay Community Marker
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
3. The Clay Community Marker Looking South
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
4. Clay City Hall
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
5. Clay United Methodist Church
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 28, 2009
6. Mount Calvary Presbyterian Church
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
7. Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church
Photographed By Tim & Renda Carr, November 11, 2010
8. Clay Public Library
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,090 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on May 29, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on November 11, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.