Historical Marker
Clayton
Clayton, Union County · New Mexico
The son was Clayton C. Dorsey, about sixteen when the town took his name and later a Denver lawyer. His father had left the Senate for New Mexico ranching and in 1882 and 1883 stood trial in the Star Route postal fraud cases, accused with partners of defrauding the government of about $412,000. He was acquitted, but the defense ruined him, and he sold his mansion in 1892. His range manager, John C. Hill, laid out the town. Nearby Mount Dora is said to be named for Dorsey's sister-in-law.
What the plaque says
Official Scenic Historic Marker Clayton Population 2,968 - Elevation 4,969 Trade caravans and homesteaders traveling the Cimarron Cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail passed near here. Clayton was founded in 1887 and named for the son of cattleman and ex-Senator Stephen W. Dorsey, one of its developers. It became a major livestock shipping center for herds from the Pecos Valley and the Texas Panhandle.
Where it stands
36.44333, -103.20744 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Rabbit Ear Mountain — steps away
- Black Jack Ketchum — 1.6 mi
- Clayton Dinosaur Trackway — 1.6 mi
- Rabbit Ear Mountain — 2.0 mi