Cities and Towns in Clay County, Texas
Founded in 1857, Clay County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Clay County was formed from Cooke County. The city of Henrietta is the county seat. With FIPS code of 77, Clay County has a population of 10,263 and area of 1,098 square miles (2,844 km²).
List of all cities in Clay County, TX alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bellevue, TX | 76228 | 940 |
| Bluegrove, TX | 76352 | 940 |
| Byers, TX | 76357 | 940 |
| Henrietta, TX | 76365 | 940 |
| Petrolia, TX | 76377 | 940 |
Major Cities and Towns in Clay County, Texas
Henrietta
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: 3,000+
- Zip Codes: 76365
- Latitude: 33.6214° N
- Longitude: 98.1705° W
Location and History:
Henrietta is the county seat of Clay County, located in north-central Texas, about 120 miles northwest of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Established in 1857, Henrietta was originally a settlement that served as a trading post for settlers moving westward. It was named after Henrietta King, the wife of rancher Richard King, a prominent figure in the region’s cattle industry. Henrietta’s early economy revolved around agriculture, specifically cotton farming, as well as cattle ranching. The city’s location along major transportation routes and its proximity to the Red River helped establish it as a key stop for travelers and traders. Henrietta became the county seat shortly after its founding and continues to serve as the administrative and commercial center of Clay County. The city’s history is deeply tied to Texas’ cattle ranching legacy and the expansion of the railroad system. Over the years, Henrietta has preserved its small-town charm while adapting to modern needs, offering a blend of historical architecture, local businesses, and an active community.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Henrietta is served by the Henrietta Independent School District (ISD), which includes Henrietta High School, Henrietta Junior High School, and Henrietta Elementary School. The district offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs, with a strong emphasis on both academic success and community involvement. One of Henrietta’s notable landmarks is the Clay County Courthouse, an impressive historic building that serves as the center of local government. The Henrietta Memorial Park is a community gathering place, offering picnic areas, sports fields, and a walking trail. The Red River, which marks the northern boundary of the county, is another significant feature, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and boating. The Old Town Square in Henrietta preserves several early 20th-century buildings, creating a picturesque setting for local shops and restaurants. Henrietta also hosts events such as the Clay County Fair, which celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage with rodeo events, livestock shows, and live music. The town’s combination of historical charm, natural beauty, and community spirit makes it a key part of Clay County’s identity.
Byers
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 1,200+
- Zip Codes: 76357
- Latitude: 33.6434° N
- Longitude: 98.4383° W
Location and History:
Byers is a small town located in the northwestern part of Clay County, approximately 14 miles northeast of Henrietta. The town was established in the late 1800s and named after William Byers, an early settler and landowner in the region. Byers grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century, becoming a vital stop for cattle drives and trade. The town’s location along the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railway allowed it to become a regional hub for farming and ranching. While Byers was once more prosperous, the town’s population began to decline as larger cities in the area grew. Today, Byers remains a rural community, with many of its original buildings still standing. The town’s economy is driven primarily by agriculture, including cotton farming, cattle ranching, and more recently, oil and gas exploration. Despite its small size, Byers maintains a sense of pride in its heritage and remains an important part of Clay County’s history.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Byers is served by the Byers Independent School District (ISD), which includes Byers High School, Byers Junior High School, and Byers Elementary School. The district is small but offers a close-knit community atmosphere, with an emphasis on personalized education and extracurricular activities. Key landmarks in Byers include the Byers Community Center, which serves as a hub for local events and gatherings. The Byers Cemetery is another notable historical site, where many early settlers of the town are buried. The Red River, located near the town, offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Byers also features several historic buildings, including the Byers Schoolhouse, which is a reminder of the town’s early days. The area around Byers is known for its natural beauty, including scenic views of the rolling plains and nearby reservoirs, making it a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The small-town charm and rural setting of Byers make it a quiet, yet significant, part of Clay County’s agricultural and historical landscape.
Petrolia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 300+
- Zip Codes: 76377
- Latitude: 33.6561° N
- Longitude: 98.3401° W
Location and History:
Petrolia is located in the western part of Clay County, about 20 miles west of Henrietta and near the Baylor County line. The town was founded in the early 1900s during the height of the oil boom in the region, and it was named for the abundant petroleum deposits discovered nearby. In the early years, Petrolia was a thriving oil town, attracting workers and investors from all over the country. The town’s economy was initially driven by oil drilling and extraction, but as the oil industry began to decline in the mid-20th century, Petrolia transitioned to a more agricultural-based economy. While the population has remained small, the town retains its historical connection to the oil industry. Today, Petrolia is primarily a rural community with a mix of small businesses, agriculture, and oil-related activities. The town’s rural location gives it a quiet, close-knit atmosphere, making it a unique part of Clay County’s history and landscape.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Petrolia is served by the Petrolia Independent School District (ISD), which includes Petrolia High School, Petrolia Junior High School, and Petrolia Elementary School. The district serves the small town with a focus on maintaining academic standards and providing extracurricular opportunities for students. Petrolia’s main landmark is the Petrolia Community Center, which serves as a venue for local events, gatherings, and celebrations. The Petrolia Oil Field is another historical landmark that reminds residents and visitors of the town’s early days as an oil boomtown. The Petrolia Cemetery is also significant, as it is the final resting place of many of the town’s original settlers. The Red River lies to the north of Petrolia, providing access to fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The town’s rural landscape, dotted with historic oil equipment, cattle ranches, and farms, reflects its past and present. Petrolia’s peaceful, small-town feel, combined with its rich history, makes it a unique and noteworthy place within Clay County.
