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Historic Blue Ridge

Cultural Heritage
Historic Sites
Museums
Historic Trails

Clay County Historical & Arts Museum


Courtesy of Clay County MuseumThe Clay County Historical and Arts Museum in Hayesville, North Carolina, displays the rich history of both the Cherokee and pioneer settlers in the area. The Clay County Historical and Arts Museum is housed in the Old County Jail which was constructed in 1912 and used as a jail until 1972.
 
Although the Clay County Historical and Arts Museum exhibits primarily depict the nineteenth century history of the area, artifacts from excavations at Spikebuck Village and Quannassee demonstrate the existence of prehistoric and early historic inhabitants.
 
What is now Clay County once was the homeland to many Cherokee Indians prior to their removal on the Trail of Tears. The Clay County Historical and Arts Museum's exhibits include vignettes about these Cherokee inhabitants and discuss the impact of the Trail of Tears on the Cherokee people of Clay County.
 
The Clay County Historical and Arts Museum also displays many photos of early immigrant settler life, and artifacts such as a collection of farm equipment, schoolhouse artifacts and a moonshine still.  
 
Dedicated to the memory of Dr. John Killian, a beloved turn of the century doctor, the Clay County Historical and Arts Museum houses a replica of his office and many of his medical implements.

Clay County Historical And Arts Museum Hours of Operation
The Clay County Historical and Arts Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm during the months of June, July and August.
 
Clay County Historical And Arts Museum Admission Fees
The Clay County Historical and Arts Museum is free to the public
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.
 
Clay County Historical And Arts Museum Location
The Clay County Historical and Arts Museum is located on Davis Loop, off Main Street, in downtown Hayesville.
 
Clay County Arts Council
21 Davis Loop
Hayesville, NC 28904
(828) 389-1084