At the legislative of 1825, nine years after the admission of the state to union. Clay County was organized from sections of Owen and Vigo counties and was named for Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay.
The county’s earliest settlement preceded its formation by almost a decade. David Thomas came to the area in 1818 and was followed soon after by Samuel Rizley. The majority of Clay County’s settlement activity centered along the Eel River which flows through the central part of the county. It was near this river that the community of Bowling Green was established. Named the county seat following Clay County’s organization, Bowling Green was the only community in the county founded before 1830.
