Day Trips — Clayton

Old West outlaw fanatics know Clayton as the place where Black Jack Ketchum was hanged on April 26, 1901. They hanged him so hard, the history books tell us, his head came off.

Those responsible for the execution had little or no experience in hanging people, historians report. It’s believed they underestimated Ketchum’s weight, which resulted in his beheading on the gallows.

So that’s one reason to visit the Clayton cemetery, where Ketchum was buried under a headstone that reads, “And how his audit stands who knows save heaven.”

The cemetery is located east of town on Princeton Road.

link Courtesy photo: Clayton Chamber of Commerce

Clayton Lake is 13 miles north of town.

To find Ketchum’s grave:

• drive through the gate, past the flagpole and up two sections;

• take a left there and go to about the middle.

• Ketchum’s grave is right by the section’s roadway, marked with a concrete curb and a headstone.

But there are more pleasant reasons to visit the northeast New Mexico community of about 3,000 people.

Where it is: Clayton, the county seat of Union County, is located on State Highway 402, near the Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado borders.

How long does it take to get there? About two hours from Tucumcari, almost three hours from Clovis and a little longer than three hours from Portales.

What’s fun: Clayton Lake State Park is about 13 miles north of Clayton. It features fishing and boating in the spring, summer and early fall. Day use charge is $5 per vehicle.

This time of year, your best bet is the dinosaur track exhibit close to the lake.

Clayton Lake also features one of the best “dark sky” sites for star-gazing in the nation. It has its own observatory. Call 575-374-8808 for information.

Of historical significance: Clayton is home to the Eklund Hotel, 15 Main St., which has been standing since 1892, the last days of the Wild West.

The hotel features dining as well as overnight accommodations. Options include burgers, sandwiches and salads for lunch in the $10 range and below. Dinner items start about $12 and go to $25 for two filets mignon. Call (888) 265-4683 for information.

— Compiled by Steve Hansen