Clay Center is a city in Clay County, Kansas, and also the county seat. It was established in 1862 and was granted a post office that same year. It is the geographical center of Clay County, which is how it received its name. It had two railroad lines passing through its territory, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad; the former was also known as “The Rock” before suspending its operations. It is home to the Piotique (“Pioneer” + “Antique”) Festival held each year in September to celebrate its history; local citizens and those who have moved away celebrate class and family reunions and civic happenings from the previous year. There are a 2k fun run and 10k mini-marathon, food vendors, live entertainment, and an outdoor dance held on the lawn of the Clay County Courthouse.