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According to Harvardshoes, Clayton, Oklahoma is a small town located in Pushmataha County in the southeastern part of the state. It is nestled between the Kiamichi Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest, providing beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town was founded in 1883 by settlers who named it after Arkansas Senator Powell Clayton.

The geography of Clayton is diverse and unique. To the west lies a vast expanse of rolling hills and open prairie land, while to the east are dense pine forests and steep mountains. The Kiamichi Mountains are to the south, while to the north lies a large lake with sandy shores.

The climate in Clayton is mild throughout much of the year with hot summers and cold winters. Average temperatures range from around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months. In addition to warm summers, Clayton is also known for its mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing point. Rainfall averages around 40 inches per year, making it an ideal place for growing crops such as corn and soybeans as well as raising livestock such as cattle and horses.

Clayton offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities including hiking trails that wind through lush forests or along riverside bluffs, fishing spots on nearby lakes or rivers, camping sites throughout the area, and even horseback riding trails that lead into scenic canyons or up into high mountains peaks overlooking Clayton’s valleys below. In addition to all these activities, there are also plenty of interesting places to explore including historical sites such as old homesteads or abandoned mining towns left behind from days gone by.

All in all, Clayton provides an ideal environment for those looking for both adventure and relaxation in one place; its diverse landscape offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an exciting outdoor adventure, you’ll find it all here.

History of Clayton, Oklahoma

Clayton, Oklahoma is a small town located in Pushmataha County in the southeastern part of the state. It was founded in 1883 by settlers who named it after Arkansas Senator Powell Clayton. The town has a rich history that reflects its unique geographical location and the people who have called it home throughout the years.

The area around Clayton was first inhabited by Native Americans, including Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. In 1820, treaty negotiations opened up much of the land for settlement by non-indigenous people. The first settlers to arrive in what is now Clayton were an extended family from Arkansas led by James Smith and his three sons, John, Henry, and Levi. They established a homestead near what is now known as Smith Creek and built a log cabin to serve as their home.

In 1883, when the nearby town of Kiamichi was being laid out for development, Levi Smith suggested that a new town be built near his family’s homestead and named after Arkansas Senator Powell Clayton. Thus Clayton was founded on December 3rd of that same year when lots were sold to interested buyers at $25 each.

By 1900, Clayton had grown to include several businesses such as stores, hotels, saloons, blacksmiths shops and a lumber mill. It also had two churches—a Methodist church which had been established in 1889 and a Baptist church which had been founded four years later—and two schools: one for whites and one for African Americans. The railroad arrived in 1906 connecting Clayton to other towns throughout Oklahoma; this allowed for increased trade opportunities which further spurred growth within the town over the next few decades.

In addition to trading with nearby towns, local farmers began growing cotton which quickly became an important part of the community’s economy; at its peak production in 1920 there were over 100 cotton gins operating throughout Pushmataha County alone. The Great Depression hit hard though; many businesses closed down leading to high unemployment rates throughout Oklahoma including Clayton which caused many residents to leave during this time period looking for work elsewhere

Clayton continued to grow though; new businesses opened up including restaurants, service stations and stores providing goods not just locally but also across state lines due to its connection with other towns via the railroad system. In 1967 it officially became incorporated as a city with its population reaching 1,000 people by 1970; today it has nearly 2200 residents making it one of the larger communities within Pushmataha County

Despite its relatively small size compared to nearby cities such as Idabel or Antlers – both located just 20 miles away – Clayton is proud of its rich history spanning back over 130 years. It continues to be an important part of life within Pushmataha County offering both locals and visitors alike plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities amidst its beautiful scenery nestled between Kiamichi Mountains and Ouachita National Forest.

Economy of Clayton, Oklahoma

The economy of Clayton, Oklahoma is largely driven by the agricultural and timber industries that have been part of the town’s history since its founding in 1887. The town was founded by a group of settlers who purchased 160 acres for just $25 each, and it has since grown to include several businesses such as stores, hotels, saloons, blacksmiths shops and a lumber mill. The railroad arrived in 1906 connecting Clayton to other towns throughout the state and allowing for increased trade opportunities which further spurred growth within the town over the next few decades.

Agriculture has long been an important part of Clayton’s economy; cotton production was at its peak in 1920 with over 100 cotton gins operating throughout Pushmataha County alone. Other crops such as wheat, corn and hay are also grown in abundance here; these are used both locally as well as exported to other parts of Oklahoma or even across state lines thanks to the railroad system. In addition to farming activities, cattle ranching is also quite common in this area with many locals owning their own herds which they raise for either meat or dairy production.

Timber is another major industry here; Clayton lies at the edge of both Kiamichi Mountains and Ouachita National Forest which provide plenty of resources for local sawmills, paper mills and other wood-related businesses. These operations employ a number of skilled workers who help keep the town running while providing much-needed income for families living here. Tourism is also an important component of Clayton’s economy with visitors coming from all over to enjoy its beautiful scenery or take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing or camping.

Despite its relatively small size compared to nearby cities such as Idabel or Antlers – both located just 20 miles away – Clayton is proud of its rich history spanning back over 130 years. It continues to be an important part of life within Pushmataha County offering both locals and visitors alike plenty of opportunities amidst its beautiful scenery nestled between Kiamichi Mountains and Ouachita National Forest.

Politics in Clayton, Oklahoma

Clayton, Oklahoma is situated in the Pushmataha County and has a population of around 1,500. The town is known for its rich history, which dates back over 130 years to when a group of settlers purchased 160 acres for just $25 each. Since then, the town has grown to include several businesses such as stores, hotels, saloons, blacksmiths shops and a lumber mill.

The politics in Clayton are based on the principles of local control and small government. The town is governed by an elected mayor and five-member board of commissioners who serve two-year terms. The mayor is responsible for setting the agenda for each meeting and oversees all operations in Clayton. The board of commissioners are responsible for making decisions on important matters such as budgeting, taxation, public services and zoning regulations.

In addition to this elected body there are several other entities which play an important role in local politics including the Clayton Chamber of Commerce which works to attract new businesses to the area as well as promote existing ones; the Pushmataha County Economic Development Council which focuses on job creation and economic growth within the county; and lastly there are various special interest groups such as environmental organizations or local nonprofits which work to ensure that their interests are represented at various levels of government.

Clayton also holds regular elections every two years where citizens can vote on important matters such as tax levies or bond measures that will affect them directly. These elections provide an opportunity for citizens to have their voices heard by their elected officials and help make sure that their needs are being addressed by those in power.

Clayton has a strong sense of community identity where all citizens have a voice in how their city is run. With its focus on local control and small government, it provides residents with both stability and opportunity while still allowing them to have a say in how their city operates.