History of Clay County
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Clay County, Florida has a total land area of 644 square miles and is mostly rural in nature. It has a year around population of about 143,000. It borders the St. Johns River (St. Johns County) on the East, Duval County, on the North, Putnam County on the South, Bradford County on the West, with Baker County to the North West.
Clay County was originally a section of Duval County, and was created December 31, 1858. It's name is in honor of Henry Clay, a famous American statesman who was a member of the United States Senate from Kentucky, and United States Secretary of State in the 19th century.
There are 4 Incorporated population centers in Clay County:
- Orange Park, the largest population area.
- Green Cove Springs, Clay County Seat.
- Keystone Heights
- Penney Farms, Home of the J. C. Penney retirement community.
| The below are Unincorporated Communities: | |
|---|---|
|
|
Museums:
- Clay County Historical and Railroad Museum, Green Cove Springs.
- Middleburg Historical Museum, Middleburg.
- Black Heritage Museum, Middleburg.
- Camp Blanding Museum, Camp Blanding.
Tourism
Clay County was once a popular destination for tourists visiting from the northern states. The therapeutic, warm springs and mild climate were major draws for visitors. Steamboats brought them to various hotels in Green Cove Springs - the St. Elmo, Clarendon and the Oakland. President Grover Cleveland was the most prominent of such tourists; he had spring water shipped to the White House. Clay County's popularity among tourists peaked during the last three decades of the 19th century. It was later eclipsed by Henry Flagler's extension of the Florida East Coast Railway to points south such as Palm Beach and Miami.
As of the 2000 census, there were 140,814 people, 50,243 households, and 39,390 families residing in the county. The population density was 234 people per square mile. There were 53,748 housing units at an average density of 89 per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 87.44% White, 6.70% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 1.99% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.31% from other races, and 2.01% from two or more races. 4.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.