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History from
Collins' History of Kentucky, 1877
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Clay county, the 47th formed in the
state, was carved out of Madison, Knox, and Floyd counties, and named in
honor of Gen. Green Clay, in 1806. Since then, parts of its
territory have been taken in forming each of the counties of Perry in 1820,
Laurel in 1825, Breathitt in 1839, Owsley in 1843, and Jackson in 1858.
It lies on the South fork of Kentucky river, whose tributaries spread through
the county - Goose creek, Red Bird fork, Collins' fork, Sexton's, Little
Goose, Otter, Bullskin, Big and Jack's creeks; the Middle fork of Kentucky
river is the E boundary line. The county is bounded N by Owsley and Breathitt,
E by Breathitt and Perry, S by Harlan and Knox, and W by Jackson and Laurel.
The face of the country is generally hilly and mountainous; the principal
products, corn, wheat, and grass - the latter growing spontaneously on
the mountains and in the valleys. Coal, iron ore, and fine timber abound.
Salt is the leading article of export. |
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