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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{About|the city in the U.S. state of Georgia|the county in the state of Georgia|Clayton County, Georgia|other places named "Clayton"|Clayton (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the city in the U.S. state of Georgia|the county|Clayton County, Georgia}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
<!-- Basic info ----------------> <!-- Basic info ---------------->
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|settlement_type = ] |settlement_type = ]
|motto = <!-- images and maps -----------> |motto = <!-- images and maps ----------->
|image_skyline = Savannah Street, Clayton, GA 2pm August 21, 2017.jpg |image_skyline = Clayton, Georgia, is a city in Rabun County in the Blue Ridge Mountains 01.jpg
|imagesize = |imagesize =
|image_caption = ] in downtown Clayton |image_caption = Main Street in downtown Clayton
|image_flag = |image_flag =
|flag_size = |flag_size =
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|image_shield = |image_shield =
|shield_size = |shield_size =
|image_blank_emblem = |image_blank_emblem = Clayton-blue.png
|blank_emblem_type = |blank_emblem_type = Logo
|blank_emblem_size = |blank_emblem_size = 145px
|image_map = Rabun_County_Georgia_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Clayton_Highlighted.svg |image_map = Rabun_County_Georgia_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Clayton_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize = 250px |mapsize = 250px
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|government_type = |government_type =
|leader_title = Mayor |leader_title = Mayor
|leader_name = Jordan Green |leader_name = Kurt Cannon
|leader_title1 = <!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager --> |leader_title1 = <!-- for places with, say, both a mayor and a city manager -->
|leader_name1 = |leader_name1 =
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|area_magnitude = |area_magnitude =
|unit_pref = Imperial |unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2016">{{cite web|title=2018 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2018_Gazetteer/2018_gaz_place_13.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=Feb 12, 2020}}</ref> |area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_13.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=December 18, 2021}}</ref>
|area_total_km2 = 8.78 |area_total_km2 = 8.78
|area_land_km2 = 8.77 |area_land_km2 = 8.77
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|area_land_sq_mi = 3.39 |area_land_sq_mi = 3.39
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.00 |area_water_sq_mi = 0.00
<!-- Population ----------------------->
|area_water_percent =
|population_as_of = ]
|area_urban_km2 =
|area_urban_sq_mi =
|area_metro_km2 =
|area_metro_sq_mi =
|area_blank1_title =
|area_blank1_km2 =
|area_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- Population ----------------------->
|population_as_of = ]
|population_footnotes = |population_footnotes =
|population_note = |population_note =
|population_total = 2047 |population_total = 2003
|population_density_km2 = 248.82 |population_density_km2 = 228.30
|population_density_sq_mi = 644.52 |population_density_sq_mi = 591.38
<!-- General information --------------->
|population_metro =
|population_density_metro_km2 =
|population_density_metro_sq_mi =
|population_urban =
|population_density_urban_km2 =
|population_density_urban_sq_mi =
|population_blank1_title =
|population_blank1 =
|population_density_blank1_km2 =
|population_density_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- General information --------------->
|timezone = ] |timezone = ]
|utc_offset = -5 |utc_offset = -5
|timezone_DST = EDT |timezone_DST = EDT
|utc_offset_DST = -4 |utc_offset_DST = -4
|coordinates = {{coord|34|52|40|N|83|24|6|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}} |coordinates = {{coord|34|52|39|N|83|24|10|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_footnotes = <!--for references: use <ref> </ref> tags--> |elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft = 1926
|elevation_m = 588
|elevation_ft = 1929
<!-- Area/postal codes & others --------> <!-- Area/postal codes & others -------->
|postal_code_type = ] |postal_code_type = ]
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|area_code = ] |area_code = ]
|blank_name = ] |blank_name = ]
|blank_info = 13-16656<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov |publisher=] |accessdate=2008-01-31 |title=American FactFinder |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911234518/http://factfinder2.census.gov/ |archivedate=2013-09-11 }}</ref> |blank_info = 13-16656<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
|blank1_name = ] feature ID |blank1_name = ] feature ID
|blank1_info = 2404066<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2404066}}</ref>
|blank1_info = 0355183<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
|website = {{official URL}} |website = {{official URL}}
|footnotes = |footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of = 2018 |pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2018CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse"/> |pop_est_footnotes =
|population_est = 2183 |population_est =
}} }}
'''Clayton''' is a city in ], ], United States. The population was 2,047 at the 2010 census. The city is the ] of ]<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |accessdate=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archivedate=2011-05-31 }}</ref> and is located in the ]. '''Clayton''' is a city in ], ], United States. Its population was 2,003 at the 2020 census. The ] of ],<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=2011-05-31 }}</ref> it is in the ].


==History== ==History==
The area that would eventually become Clayton was called the Dividings because it sat at the intersection of three important ] trails. Explorer and naturalist ] came through the Dividings in May 1775 while exploring what would later be organized as Rabun County. Much later, after Clayton had grown to include the Dividings, two of the old Cherokee trails were improved as the main roads for Clayton and the county: ]/] and ]. The area that eventually became Clayton was called the Dividings because it sat at the intersection of three crucial ] trails. Explorer and naturalist ] came through the Dividings in May 1775 while exploring what was later organized as Rabun County. Much later, after Clayton had grown to include the Dividings, two of the old Cherokee trails were improved as the main roads for Clayton and the county: ]/] and ].


For hundreds of years, the homeland of the Cherokees, northeast Georgia, was crisscrossed with Indian trails. The Dividings was the intersection of five major trails on the land that eventually became Rabun County. Centuries later, Clayton was founded at this location, and the five trails today are Highways 23/441 North and South, Highway 76 East and West, and Warwoman Road.
Claytonsville was founded by European-American settlers in 1821 as the seat of Rabun County.<ref>{{cite book | url=http://www.kenkrakow.com/gpn/c.pdf | title=Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins | publisher=Winship Press | author=Krakow, Kenneth K. | year=1975 | location=Macon, GA | pages=45 | isbn=0-915430-00-2}}</ref> In 1823, the town was incorporated and renamed Clayton.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=REtEXQNWq6MC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA224#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=Historical Gazetteer of the United States | publisher=Routledge | date=May 13, 2013 | accessdate=30 November 2013 | author=Hellmann, Paul T. | pages=224}}</ref> It was named after a prominent jurist and congressman, Judge ], who served in both the ] and ] before being elected as a ] from Georgia, serving two terms from 1831–1835.

Claytonsville was founded by European-American settlers in 1821 as the seat of Rabun County.<ref>{{cite book | URL=http://www.kenkrakow.com/gpn/c.pdf | title=Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins | publisher=Winship Press | author=Krakow, Kenneth K. | year=1975 | location=Macon, GA | pages=45 | isbn=0-915430-00-2}}</ref> In 1823, the town was incorporated and renamed Clayton.<ref>{{cite book | URL=https://books.google.com/books?id=REtEXQNWq6MC&pg=PA224 | title=Historical Gazetteer of the United States | publisher=Routledge | date=May 13, 2013 | access-date=30 November 2013 | author=Hellmann, Paul T. | pages=224| isbn=978-1135948597 }}</ref> It was named after a prominent jurist and congressman, Judge ], who served in both the ] and ] before being elected as a ] from Georgia, serving two terms from 1831–1835.


In 1824, {{convert|67|acre|m2}} were purchased from Solomon Beck for $150, and city representatives laid out a site for a courthouse and the surrounding streets. In 1824, {{convert|67|acre|m2}} were purchased from Solomon Beck for $150, and city representatives laid out a site for a courthouse and the surrounding streets.


In 1904, the ] was completed to Clayton from ]; it was extended to ] by 1907. Clayton has had public water and sanitary sewer service since the 1920s. Initially, the water supply was two springs on nearby Buzzard Roost Mountain, but today Clayton uses ] as its water supply. In 1904, a significant development took place with the completion of the Tallulah Falls Railway to Clayton from Cornelia, Georgia. This railway was extended to Franklin, North Carolina, by 1907, marking a significant step in Clayton's transportation infrastructure. The town has been equipped with public water and sanitary sewer service since the 1920s, a testament to its commitment to public health and well-being. Initially, the water supply was sourced from two springs on nearby Buzzard Roost Mountain; today, it utilizes Lake Rabun as its water supply, showcasing the town's adaptability and resourcefulness.


In 1936, Clayton recorded {{convert|30.0|in|mm}} of total snowfall, making that year the snowiest year in the city.<ref></ref> The recorded snowfall in Clayton in 1936 is also a state record.<ref></ref> In 1936, Clayton recorded {{convert|30.0|in|mm}} of snowfall, the highest annual total for anywhere in Georgia.<ref></ref><ref></ref>


Part of Disney's '']'' was shot in Clayton in 1957. '']'' was filmed on location in Clayton with many residents cast in supporting roles. Production began the week before Thanksgiving 1975 with shooting continuing for about six weeks. After release in May 1976, "Grizzly" became the most financially successful independent motion picture to date - a record it held for more than two years until ]'s "]" hit theaters in October 1978. Part of Disney's '']'' was shot in Clayton in 1957. '']'' was filmed in Clayton, with many residents cast in supporting roles. Production began the week before Thanksgiving 1975, with shooting continuing for about six weeks. After release in May 1976, ''Grizzly'' became the most financially successful independent motion picture to date—a record it held for more than two years until ]'s '']'' hit theaters in October 1978.


Much of ]'s 2014 novel '']'' is set in Clayton in the not too distant future. Much of ]'s 2014 novel '']'' is set in Clayton in the not-too-distant future.
Over the years, many films have been made in the Clayton and Tallulah Falls area.


==Geography== ==Geography==
Clayton is located at {{Coord|34|52|40|N|83|24|6|W|type:city}} (34.877788, -83.401691)<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html|publisher=]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> and is situated at the southern base of 3,640-foot ]. Immediately to the east of the city is 3,000-foot Screamer Mountain. Other Blue Ridge Mountain peaks between 2,500 and 3,500 feet surround the city. Clayton is at the southern base of 3,640-foot ]. Immediately to its east is 3,000-foot Screamer Mountain. Other Blue Ridge Mountain peaks between 2,500 and 3,500 feet surround the city.


According to the ], the city has a total area of {{convert|3.1|sqmi|km2}}, all of it land. The elevation of Clayton's downtown area is {{convert|1925|ft|m}}. A number of hilltops within the city limits exceed 2,200 feet. According to the ], Clayton has a total area of {{convert|3.1|sqmi|km2}}, all of it land. Its downtown is at {{convert|1925|ft|m}}, and a number of hilltops in the city limits exceed 2,200 feet.

===Climate===
{{Weather box
|location = Clayton, Georgia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present)
|single line = Y
| Jan record high F = 79
| Feb record high F = 82
| Mar record high F = 89
| Apr record high F = 91
| May record high F = 94
| Jun record high F = 99
| Jul record high F = 102
| Aug record high F = 99
| Sep record high F = 98
| Oct record high F = 92
| Nov record high F = 82
| Dec record high F = 79
| year record high F = 102
| Jan high F = 50.2
| Feb high F = 54.0
| Mar high F = 61.0
| Apr high F = 69.7
| May high F = 76.4
| Jun high F = 82.5
| Jul high F = 85.4
| Aug high F = 84.3
| Sep high F = 79.3
| Oct high F = 70.6
| Nov high F = 60.8
| Dec high F = 52.9
| year high F = 68.9
| Jan mean F = 40.0
| Feb mean F = 42.7
| Mar mean F = 49.0
| Apr mean F = 57.0
| May mean F = 64.8
| Jun mean F = 72.0
| Jul mean F = 75.1
| Aug mean F = 74.3
| Sep mean F = 69.0
| Oct mean F = 58.8
| Nov mean F = 48.8
| Dec mean F = 42.4
| year mean F = 57.8
| Jan low F = 29.7
| Feb low F = 31.5
| Mar low F = 37.0
| Apr low F = 44.4
| May low F = 53.2
| Jun low F = 61.5
| Jul low F = 64.9
| Aug low F = 64.2
| Sep low F = 58.6
| Oct low F = 47.0
| Nov low F = 36.7
| Dec low F = 31.8
| year low F = 46.7
| Jan record low F = −11
| Feb record low F = −4
| Mar record low F = 3
| Apr record low F = 12
| May record low F = 26
| Jun record low F = 36
| Jul record low F = 45
| Aug record low F = 40
| Sep record low F = 27
| Oct record low F = 18
| Nov record low F = 5
| Dec record low F = −4
| year record low F = −11
|precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 6.76
| Feb precipitation inch = 5.76
| Mar precipitation inch = 6.28
| Apr precipitation inch = 5.71
| May precipitation inch = 5.08
| Jun precipitation inch = 6.27
| Jul precipitation inch = 5.34
| Aug precipitation inch = 6.43
| Sep precipitation inch = 5.74
| Oct precipitation inch = 5.35
| Nov precipitation inch = 5.97
| Dec precipitation inch = 7.04
| year precipitation inch = 71.73
| Jan snow inch = 0.9
| Feb snow inch = 0.6
| Mar snow inch = 0.1
| Apr snow inch = 0.0
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.0
| Nov snow inch = 0.0
| Dec snow inch = 0.8
| year snow inch = 2.4
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 10.8
| Feb precipitation days = 9.8
| Mar precipitation days = 11.8
| Apr precipitation days = 9.9
| May precipitation days = 10.5
| Jun precipitation days = 11.9
| Jul precipitation days = 13.5
| Aug precipitation days = 12.9
| Sep precipitation days = 10.1
| Oct precipitation days = 8.1
| Nov precipitation days = 9.0
| Dec precipitation days = 11.2
| year precipitation days = 129.5
| unit snow days = 0.1 in
| Jan snow days = 0.4
| Feb snow days = 0.4
| Mar snow days = 0.2
| Apr snow days = 0.0
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.0
| Nov snow days = 0.0
| Dec snow days = 0.5
| year snow days = 1.5
|source 1 = ]<ref name=nws>
{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=gsp
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = May 24, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00091982&format=pdf
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| title = Station: Clayton 1 SSW, GA
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| access-date = May 24, 2021}}</ref>
}}


==Government== ==Government==
Clayton is governed by a mayor and a five-member city council. Clayton is governed by a mayor and a five-member city council.


As of 2019, the mayor is Jordan Green, and the councilmembers are Carl Butler, Elizabeth Chapman, Debbie Chisholm, Michele Duquette, and Ara Joyce.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Contacts |url=https://cityofclaytonga.gov/city-contacts/ |website=City of Clayton |accessdate=10 October 2019}}</ref> As of 2021, the mayor is Jordan Green, and the councilmembers are Michele Duquette, Ara Joyce, David Cross, Woody Blalock, and John Bradshaw.

The City Manager is Michael Esposito.


==Demographics== ==Demographics==
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|2000= 2019 |2000= 2019
|2010= 2047 |2010= 2047
|2020= 2003
|estyear=2018
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|estimate=2183
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2018CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=June 4, 2019}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426102944/http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|archivedate=April 26, 2015}}</ref>
}} }}


As of the ], there were 2,047 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 74.5% White, 1.4% Black, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% from some other race and 1.9% from two or more races. 20.8% were Hispanic or Latino of any race. As of the ], there were 2,047 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 74.5% White, 1.4% Black, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% from some other race and 1.9% from two or more races. 20.8% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.


As of the ]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 2,019 people, 816 households, and 497 families living in the city. The ] was 653.2 people per square mile (252.3/km²). There were 1,006 housing units at an average density of 325.5 per square mile (125.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.55% ], 2.77% ], 0.89% ], 1.34% ], 0.15% ], 9.41% from ], and 0.89% from two or more races. ] or ] of any race were 14.71% of the population. As of the ]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 2,019 people, 816 households, and 497 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|653.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,006 housing units at an average density of {{convert|325.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 84.55% ], 2.77% ], 0.89% ], 1.34% ], 0.15% ], 9.41% from ], and 0.89% from two or more races. ] or ] of any race were 14.71% of the population.


There were 816 households out of which 22.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were ] living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.79. There were 816 households, out of which 22.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were ] living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.79.


In the city, the population was spread out with 19.2% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males. In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.2% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.


The median income for a household in the city was $26,600, and the median income for a family was $36,164. Males had a median income of $25,823 versus $18,304 for females. The ] for the city was $15,977. About 7.9% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the ], including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over. The median income for a household in the city was $26,600, and the median income for a family was $36,164. Males had a median income of $25,823 versus $18,304 for females. The ] for the city was $15,977. About 7.9% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the ], including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.
Line 180: Line 305:


===Rabun County School District=== ===Rabun County School District===
{{main|Rabun County School District}}
The ] holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school.<ref>{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Retrieved June 25, 2010.</ref> The district has 140 full-time teachers and over 2,221 students.<ref>, Retrieved June 25, 2010.</ref> The ] holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school.<ref>{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, Retrieved June 25, 2010.</ref> The district has 140 full-time teachers and over 2,221 students.<ref>, Retrieved June 25, 2010.</ref>
*Rabun County Elementary School *Rabun County Elementary School
Line 187: Line 313:


===Private education=== ===Private education===
*] Rabun Gap Nacoochee School
https://www.rabungap.org/
Tallulah Falls School
https://www.tallulahfalls.org/


==Camps== ==Camps==
Line 197: Line 326:


==Notable people== ==Notable people==
*] - stock car racer *] &ndash; stock car racer
*] &ndash; educator, is buried here
*] - lawyer admitted to the bar in Clayton, later moved to Indian Territory, where he became a justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court on 1923
*] &ndash; lawyer admitted to the bar in Clayton, later moved to ], where he became a justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 1923
*] - actor who played the young banjo player in the film '']'' (1972)
*] &ndash; stock car racer
*] - Georgia State Senator
*] &ndash; actor who played the young banjo player in the film '']'' (1972)
*] (1897-1966), - author and civil rights activist
*] &ndash; Georgia State Senator
*] (1897&ndash;1966) &ndash; author and civil rights activist


==References== ==References==
Line 208: Line 339:
==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category}} {{commons category}}
* {{official}} * {{official website}}

{{Rabun County, Georgia}} {{Rabun County, Georgia}}
{{Georgia county seats}}


{{authority control}} {{authority control}}

Latest revision as of 08:38, 6 October 2024

This article is about the city in the U.S. state of Georgia. For the county, see Clayton County, Georgia. City in Georgia, United States
Clayton, Georgia
City
Main Street in downtown ClaytonMain Street in downtown Clayton
Official logo of Clayton, GeorgiaLogo
Location in Rabun County and the state of GeorgiaLocation in Rabun County and the state of Georgia
Coordinates: 34°52′39″N 83°24′10″W / 34.87750°N 83.40278°W / 34.87750; -83.40278
CountryUnited States
StateGeorgia
CountyRabun
Government
 • MayorKurt Cannon
Area
 • Total3.39 sq mi (8.78 km)
 • Land3.39 sq mi (8.77 km)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.01 km)
Elevation1,926 ft (587 m)
Population
 • Total2,003
 • Density591.38/sq mi (228.30/km)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code30525
Area code706
FIPS code13-16656
GNIS feature ID2404066
Websitecityofclaytonga.gov Edit this at Wikidata

Clayton is a city in Rabun County, Georgia, United States. Its population was 2,003 at the 2020 census. The county seat of Rabun County, it is in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

History

The area that eventually became Clayton was called the Dividings because it sat at the intersection of three crucial Cherokee trails. Explorer and naturalist William Bartram came through the Dividings in May 1775 while exploring what was later organized as Rabun County. Much later, after Clayton had grown to include the Dividings, two of the old Cherokee trails were improved as the main roads for Clayton and the county: U.S. 23/441 and U.S. 76.

For hundreds of years, the homeland of the Cherokees, northeast Georgia, was crisscrossed with Indian trails. The Dividings was the intersection of five major trails on the land that eventually became Rabun County. Centuries later, Clayton was founded at this location, and the five trails today are Highways 23/441 North and South, Highway 76 East and West, and Warwoman Road.

Claytonsville was founded by European-American settlers in 1821 as the seat of Rabun County. In 1823, the town was incorporated and renamed Clayton. It was named after a prominent jurist and congressman, Judge Augustin S. Clayton, who served in both the Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia Senate before being elected as a Representative from Georgia, serving two terms from 1831–1835.

In 1824, 67 acres (270,000 m) were purchased from Solomon Beck for $150, and city representatives laid out a site for a courthouse and the surrounding streets.

In 1904, a significant development took place with the completion of the Tallulah Falls Railway to Clayton from Cornelia, Georgia. This railway was extended to Franklin, North Carolina, by 1907, marking a significant step in Clayton's transportation infrastructure. The town has been equipped with public water and sanitary sewer service since the 1920s, a testament to its commitment to public health and well-being. Initially, the water supply was sourced from two springs on nearby Buzzard Roost Mountain; today, it utilizes Lake Rabun as its water supply, showcasing the town's adaptability and resourcefulness.

In 1936, Clayton recorded 30.0 inches (760 mm) of snowfall, the highest annual total for anywhere in Georgia.

Part of Disney's Old Yeller was shot in Clayton in 1957. Grizzly was filmed in Clayton, with many residents cast in supporting roles. Production began the week before Thanksgiving 1975, with shooting continuing for about six weeks. After release in May 1976, Grizzly became the most financially successful independent motion picture to date—a record it held for more than two years until John Carpenter's Halloween hit theaters in October 1978.

Much of William Gibson's 2014 novel The Peripheral is set in Clayton in the not-too-distant future. Over the years, many films have been made in the Clayton and Tallulah Falls area.

Geography

Clayton is at the southern base of 3,640-foot Black Rock Mountain. Immediately to its east is 3,000-foot Screamer Mountain. Other Blue Ridge Mountain peaks between 2,500 and 3,500 feet surround the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Clayton has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km), all of it land. Its downtown is at 1,925 feet (587 m), and a number of hilltops in the city limits exceed 2,200 feet.

Climate

Climate data for Clayton, Georgia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 79
(26) 		82
(28) 		89
(32) 		91
(33) 		94
(34) 		99
(37) 		102
(39) 		99
(37) 		98
(37) 		92
(33) 		82
(28) 		79
(26) 		102
(39)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 50.2
(10.1) 		54.0
(12.2) 		61.0
(16.1) 		69.7
(20.9) 		76.4
(24.7) 		82.5
(28.1) 		85.4
(29.7) 		84.3
(29.1) 		79.3
(26.3) 		70.6
(21.4) 		60.8
(16.0) 		52.9
(11.6) 		68.9
(20.5)
Daily mean °F (°C) 40.0
(4.4) 		42.7
(5.9) 		49.0
(9.4) 		57.0
(13.9) 		64.8
(18.2) 		72.0
(22.2) 		75.1
(23.9) 		74.3
(23.5) 		69.0
(20.6) 		58.8
(14.9) 		48.8
(9.3) 		42.4
(5.8) 		57.8
(14.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 29.7
(−1.3) 		31.5
(−0.3) 		37.0
(2.8) 		44.4
(6.9) 		53.2
(11.8) 		61.5
(16.4) 		64.9
(18.3) 		64.2
(17.9) 		58.6
(14.8) 		47.0
(8.3) 		36.7
(2.6) 		31.8
(−0.1) 		46.7
(8.2)
Record low °F (°C) −11
(−24) 		−4
(−20) 		3
(−16) 		12
(−11) 		26
(−3) 		36
(2) 		45
(7) 		40
(4) 		27
(−3) 		18
(−8) 		5
(−15) 		−4
(−20) 		−11
(−24)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 6.76
(172) 		5.76
(146) 		6.28
(160) 		5.71
(145) 		5.08
(129) 		6.27
(159) 		5.34
(136) 		6.43
(163) 		5.74
(146) 		5.35
(136) 		5.97
(152) 		7.04
(179) 		71.73
(1,822)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.9
(2.3) 		0.6
(1.5) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.8
(2.0) 		2.4
(6.1)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 10.8 9.8 11.8 9.9 10.5 11.9 13.5 12.9 10.1 8.1 9.0 11.2 129.5
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 0.4 0.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 1.5
Source: NOAA

Government

Clayton is governed by a mayor and a five-member city council.

As of 2021, the mayor is Jordan Green, and the councilmembers are Michele Duquette, Ara Joyce, David Cross, Woody Blalock, and John Bradshaw.

The City Manager is Michael Esposito.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
187070—
1880180157.1%
1900199—
1910541171.9%
192067725.1%
193079817.9%
19401,08836.3%
19501,30219.7%
19601,50715.7%
19701,5694.1%
19801,83817.1%
19901,613−12.2%
20002,01925.2%
20102,0471.4%
20202,003−2.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 2,047 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 74.5% White, 1.4% Black, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% from some other race and 1.9% from two or more races. 20.8% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,019 people, 816 households, and 497 families living in the city. The population density was 653.2 inhabitants per square mile (252.2/km). There were 1,006 housing units at an average density of 325.5 per square mile (125.7/km). The racial makeup of the city was 84.55% White, 2.77% African American, 0.89% Native American, 1.34% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 9.41% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.71% of the population.

There were 816 households, out of which 22.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 19.2% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,600, and the median income for a family was $36,164. Males had a median income of $25,823 versus $18,304 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,977. About 7.9% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Rabun County School District

Main article: Rabun County School District

The Rabun County School District holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. The district has 140 full-time teachers and over 2,221 students.

Private education

Rabun Gap Nacoochee School https://www.rabungap.org/ Tallulah Falls School https://www.tallulahfalls.org/

Camps

The area around Clayton has long been the location for a number of camps for young people, mostly operated during the summertime.

Notable people

References

  1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  2. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Clayton, Georgia
  3. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 45. ISBN 0-915430-00-2.
  6. Hellmann, Paul T. (May 13, 2013). Historical Gazetteer of the United States. Routledge. p. 224. ISBN 978-1135948597. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  7. Georgia Snowfall Extremes Table
  8. Top Ten Snowiest Years in Clayton
  9. "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  10. "Station: Clayton 1 SSW, GA". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  11. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  12. Georgia Board of Education, Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  13. School Stats, Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  14. "Ramah Darom - A Jewish Overnight Camp With Year-Round Family-Friendly Programs and Retreat Center". Ramah Darom. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  15. "Georgia Summer Camp | Sleepaway Camp | Residential Camp". Camp Blue Ridge. Retrieved February 13, 2018.

External links

Municipalities and communities of Rabun County, Georgia, United States
County seat: Clayton
Cities
Map of Georgia highlighting Rabun County
Towns
Unincorporated
communities
Ghost town
Footnotes‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties
County seats of Georgia
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