Since its establishment, Clarence has progressed from an isolated, heavily forested wilderness inhabited by a few sturdy pioneers to a thriving suburban town. Named from the English House, of Clarence the Town was established as the first township in Erie County on March 11, 1808. It contains more than 52 square miles and, while it has not incorporated villages, it is comprised of communities of Clarence, Harris Hill, Clarence Center, and Wolcottsburg as well as parts of the hamlets of Swormville, East Amherst and Millersport.

In 1799, before the town had been established, Joseph Ellicott, an agent for the Holland Land Company, offered lots on old Buffalo Road to those who would build and operate taverns upon them. These lots were 10 miles apart and were sold at the company's lowest price of $2 per acre on a long-term no interest basis.

After the depression of the 1930's, there was a land boom and the Town experienced its greatest period of development after World War II. Census records show that in the year 1900 there were 2,948 people residing in the Town and 6,331 in 1950. Ten years later, the population doubled to approximately 13,267. Current figures show the Town population in excess of 26,000 people. The Town of Clarence continues to grow today with many new residential homes being built. We are rich in history and proud of our heritage.