Farming & Ranching in Clayton

Pioneers, miners, cowboys, ranching, and farming all shaped Clayton's history. Founded by Joel Clayton in 1857, the town saw him lay out the downtown, establish his cattle ranch, and plant 28 acres of vineyards. After Joel Clayton died in 1872, Paul De Martini bought the ranch, and in 1885 Italian masons built the stone winery that was converted to Clayton's city hall in 1997. Clayton's fertile soil and Mediterranean climate produced quality wines that won awards at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. In the early 1900s, steel-wheeled tractors joined Clayton's horses and mules. During Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, some vineyards were converted to almond and walnut orchards. Hay, livestock, tractors, 4-H clubs, and ranches remained important in Clayton for more than 100 years before residential subdivisions replaced them.

Clayton, California · United States