The Henry Clay Inn is named for the orator and statesman who was born in Hanover County in 1777. Henry Clay is known as "the Great Compromiser" and was a candidate for President in 1824,1832, and 1844.

The very first of three hotels/inns stood just north of our present location and was called the Ashland Hotel. This hotel was built in 1858 and was destroyed by fire in 1905. The old Ashland Hotel provided weekend getaways for Richmonders who made the trip by rail to enjoy the country air. The Civil War closed the hotel for 10 years. In 1868 Randolph Macon College acquired the Inn for use as a boarding house.

The second hotel built and the first to be named The Henry Clay Inn was built on the original site of the Ashland Hotel in 1906. This Inn was enjoyed for the next forty years by RMC students for balls and parties and later as living accommodations for newlyweds until suitable housing could be afforded. This Inn burnt down to the ground on February 27, 1946. There were no injuries and most of the town's residents turned out to help put out the fire and to watch in amazement.

The present day Inn opened on April 10, 1992. The exterior of the Inn is an exact replica of its predecessors (recreated from photographs). The interior houses 14 guest rooms, a Restaurant, Art/Gift Gallery featuring local artists and artisans, a Parlor which opens onto the balcony overlooking the old Ashland train station and campus of RMC, and a drawing room suitable for business and social functions.

The Inn is decorated with Antique Reproduction bedroom furniture featuring sleigh, pencil post, canopy, acorn post, and cannonball beds. There are also many fine Antiques throughout the Inn.