The site of Claysville was originally part of a tract called Superfine Bottom, warranted to Thomas Waller on February 25, 1785. Sometime after 1800, John Purviance gained possession of the land and started a tavern there. When the National Pike was projected through in 1817, Purviance laid out the town and named it for Henry Clay. George Wilson was the first merchant, and Dr. James Kerr was the first physician. By November 10, 1913, the Central Hotel stood there in what is now called the Claysville Hotel, with signage showing the hotel entrance on the left side of the building and a bank on the right front door, while a building in the back right bore the words "pan handle."