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Ashland, Alabama: Founder Roots, Courthouse Legacy, and Business Icons

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From Hollingsworth Watts' courthouse land donation to hometown manufacturers like Wellborn—how Ashland helped shape Clay County. Where Ashland began: a county seat anchored by a courthouse Ashland is the county seat of Clay County in east-central Alabama—often remembered as the "City of Friends." The town's origin story is tied to the creation of Clay County in December 1866 and the subsequent selection of a central county seat. Ashland, AL, is also the  hometown of Alabama's  52nd Governor ,  Bob Riley ,  who served  two terms from 2003 to 2011. Founder spotlight: Hollingsworth Watts Local history records credit Hollingsworth Watts with donating the land used to establish the courthouse site—helping set the physical "center" where Ashland would grow. Ashland was later incorporated in 1871 and named after Henry Clay's Kentucky estate , "Ashland....

Ashland, Alabama: Annual Events That Bring Clay County Together

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From the Yellow-Meat Watermelon Festival to the Clay County Fair, parades, and hometown fun—here’s what locals look forward to every year. If you’ve ever wanted to experience “real Alabama” in a way that feels welcoming, simple, and full of community pride, Ashland and the surrounding Clay County area deliver it year after year. While larger cities may have bigger stages, Clay County’s annual events offer something just as valuable: authentic hometown gatherings where neighbors connect, local organizations shine, and visitors quickly feel like part of the community. Signature annual events in Ashland & Clay County 🍉 Clay County Yellow-Meat Watermelon Festival (Ashland) One of the area’s best-known traditions, this festival brings together live entertainment, vendors, great food, and family activities—plus plenty of hometown pride centered around Clay County’s famous yellow-fleshed watermelons. If you want an authentic “community festival”...