1853-1857 Joel purchases 40 acres at the confluence of Mitchell and Mt. Diablo creeks. Builds home in 1855. Lays out town of Clayton in 1857. Two hotels are operating in Clayton. Farmer William Israel discovers coal east of Clayton.
Town opens first post office.
Shadrack Jones opens Blacksmith shop on Main Street. 1872 Joel Clayton dies. DeMartini purchases Clayton vineyards. 1890's Coal mining at Black Diamond discontinued, miners move to Washington. 1900's Clayton becomes an agricultural center.