Clay County

Clay County, situated in the western region of North Carolina, is home to a population of 11,089 as per the 2020 census. The county seat is Hayesville. 
Notably, the county witnessed the establishment of its first official bank on May 18, 1910. Additionally, a creamery was opened in Brasstown in 1924, while the arrival of the first automobile in Clay County occurred in 1914. During the period spanning from the early 1900s to the 1930s, it was mandatory for every male citizen aged between 18 and 45 to contribute five days of unpaid work annually towards the maintenance of public roads. Clay County has predominantly been focused on agriculture since the 1800s. Due to its secluded location, the majority of residents in the present day are still of European-American descent.