Clay County, NE
Located in the south central part of the state, Clay County supplied travelers on the Oregon
and Overland trails in the 1850-60s a refuge along the Little Blue River. Just northeast
of the present town of Deweese, was a Pony
Express station in 1860-61. The buildings, destroyed in
1864 during an effort by Indians to reaffirm their claim to the
region, were rebuilt and later sold to Wells Fargo & Co., but the station was
discontinued in 1874.
A large wave of settlers, recruited directly from Czechoslovakia by the railroad
company, arrived in the mid 1880s. When the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad
crossed to the south side of the Little Blue River in 1885, a town site was platted. Named
for the railroad attorney, J.W. Deweese, it soon became a center of activities.
By the early 1900s, nearly 500 refugee
families from the Volga region of Russia arrived via the
railroad, making them the largest ethnic group in Clay
County. The value of these dedicated, hard- working, and
conscientious people greatly contributed to the growth of Clay County.
Promises by the railroad to build a station in the newly organized town of Sutton in northeast Clay County, led the few businesses established there to anticipate being the hub of the county. But the railroad passed them by, and from that point a heated county seat fight ensued with Clay Center, the town located in the Center of Clay County. Clay Center became the county seat after an election because it was a more convenient location to conduct business.
Today, Clay County communities are working together toward the growth of Clay County as an economic, agricultural, and recreational center.
Explore Clay County
Clay County Museum
The Clay County Historical Society is proud to welcome you to their fine museum complex which was made a reality in 1980 to exhibit and protect the county's artifacts and archival materials.
Clay Center, NE Museums
"Hanging of Elizabeth Taylor and Tom Jones"
On a cold March night in 1885
Clay Center, NE Cemeteries
Roman L. Hruska Meat Animal Research Center
Scientists at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) develop new technology in order to increase the efficiency of livestock production and benefit consumers. The MARC was authorized by Congress on June 16, 1964
Clay Center, NE Research CentersCrooked Creek Country Club Golf Course
Golfers can enjoy a challenging nine-hole grass greens golf course. The Crooked Creek Country Club Golf Course is open to the public with memberships available. Rental carts are available;
Clay Center, NE RecreationClay Center City Park
The Clay Center City Park is complete with a swimming pool, playground equipment, picnic tables, a sheltered building, a horseshoe-playing area, and modern restrooms. It is perfect setting for reunions, celebrations, and simple family fun.
The park was originally the site of the "
Clay Center, NE RecreationIsaac Newton Clark House
Built about 1877 the Isaac Newton Clark House is a good example of Gothic Revival residence, a relatively rare building type in Nebraska. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Isaac Newton Clark was born in Ohio in 1836 and moved to Sutton in January 1872
Sutton, NE National RegisterClay County Courthouse
The Clay County Courthouse was built in 1918, replacing a brick structure that was built in 1881. The courthouse stands in the center square of downtown Clay Center surrounded by 30
Clay Center, NE Historic CourthousesSt. Martin's Catholic Church
St. Martin's Catholic Church was designed by architect James H. Craddock in the Gothic Revival style and was erected in 1907-8. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Clay Center, NE Historic ChurchesHistoric HMMJ Radio Station
Headlines in the Clay County Sun of December 3, 1925, proclaimed "Local Station KMMJ Is On The Air!" flattering success of "Worlds Most Beautiful Radio Plant." The following excerpts are from the Sun article:
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Clay Center, NE Landmarks