Clay, WV

Clay is a town in and the county seat of Clay County, West Virginia, United States. The 2020 census counted 399 residents. Clay is the only incorporated town in Clay County. Clay was established on the site of a farm that was the site of Clay County's first court meeting following the county's establishment in 1858. Some newer businesses in the Clay area are located along what is called "Two Run" by locals. In May 2015, the Piggly Wiggly on 2200 Main Street closed; it was the only grocery store at the time in Clay County.

Taken together, these details give a newcomer a usable picture of Clay, where its history, geography, and current gathering places meet. For Clay, the memorable detail is the way older history and current gathering places share one local map. The community was initially known by the name of "Marshall," then briefly as "Henry," and then as "Clay Courthouse" and finally Clay. Charleston, the state capitol, is approximately 40 miles from Clay to the southwest.