Clay County, KS
Early settlers from England began homesteading in Clay County in 1862 in the area now, Clay Center. Clay County was named for Henry Clay, the famous U.S. Statesman.
Mr. and Mrs. Orville Huntress came to Clay County in 1861 and bought a farm on what is now called Huntress Creek. Since the Huntress home was on a road traveled by soldiers going from Fort Riley to Indian outposts such as Scandia and White Rock, these men often stopped at the Huntress well for water.
The first post office in Clay County was in the Huntress Home.
In 1886 Mrs. Huntress sold the Huntress farm, but reserved eight acres which she gave to Clay Center for a park.
Explore Clay County
Wakefield Museum
The Wakefield Museum is located in downtown Wakefield and houses exhibits on the history of the Wakefield area, including a display about former Kansas Governor Bill Avery. There is also alot of information for the people doing genealogy research.
Wakefield, KS MuseumsCarnegie Library
Circa 1912, the Library is on the National Register of Historic Places
Clay Center, KS Carnegie LibrariesLCL Buffalo Ranch
Over 200 head of buffalo roam the pastures located in three counties on the ranch owned by Lester C. Lawrence. A portion of the herd may be seen along K-9
Clifton, KS Natural AttractionsBand Shell
The Clay Center Municipal Band Shell was built in 1934, it is a W.P.A. project and is on the Kansas Register of Historic Places. The Band Shell hosts many City Band Concerts throughout the year.
Clay Center, KS Historic BuildingsClay Center Recreation
Swimming pool, 8 bowling lanes, 6 tennis courts, Sumner recreation program, 5 parks and playgrounds including the zoo, country club with 9 hole golf course, public golf course, and Milford Reservoir and Tuttle Creek within minutes for camping, swimming, and boating.
Clay Center, KS RecreationKansas Landscape Arboretum
The Kansas Landscape Arboretum offers a glimpse of Kansas nature at its best. As you stroll through over 193 wooded acres you can see over 1,000 species of trees and shrubs, Bronze plaques along the Memorial Tree Walk identify over 100
Wakefield, KS ArboretumsOutdoor Recreation
Camping
The smell of sizzling bacon and coffee perking after a restful night under stars ... can make an evening of camping a complete weekend retreat.
Wakefield, KS Recreation
Clay County Courthouse
The Clay County Courthouse at Clay Center was constructed in 1900-1901 on land donated in the 1860's for use as a public square by the town's founder, Alfonzo F. Dexter.
Clay Center, KS Historic CourthousesHeritage Row Museum Complex
Heritage Row is representative of the early founders of our community. Some of the first buildings of Clay Center can be found there. It is located at the West end of Clay Center on highway 24
Clay Center, KS MuseumsClay County Historical Museum
The Clay County Museum is housed in the former Clay Center Hospital building constructed in 1925. The structure served as a nursing home before it became the location of the museum in 1975.
Clay Center, KS MuseumsVietnam War Memorial
The Vietnam War Memorial, dedicated in 1997, was created by Sandy Scott and stands in tribute to those veterans at the West entrance to the historic courthouse in downtown Clay Center.
Clay Center, KS Memorials