The community which has grown into the Town of Clayton was built on a road cut by Governor Tryon’s troops around 1770 as they marched North from New Bern to Hillsborough against the Regulators. Nearly 100 years later the railroad came through and the community had its first name—Stallings’ Station, since the depot for the North Carolina Railroad was in the home of Mrs. Sarah Stallings. The name lasted only three years, however, before officially becoming Clayton which was incorporated in 1869.

Clayton has more than a great location in the Triangle, there's a ton of fun things to do for families. The Parks and Recreation Department is booming with bike trails, river walks, sports and dog parks. The Clayton Center, Flip Side, Revival 1869 and several more venues are alive with music, special events, and food.

Clayton is considered a satellite town of Raleigh, the state capital of NC. As of 2010, Clayton's population was 16,116 people. Much of that growth can be attributed to the town's close proximity to the Research Triangle area and access to major highways such as I-40, U.S. 70, and NC 42.