About Clinton
A Mississippi Main Street City, Designated Retirement City, and Mississippi Most Livable City, Clinton offers residents, businesses, and visitors an authentic sense of belonging and community support. One of America’s great hometowns, Clinton boasts some of the best schools in the Mississippi and is proud to be one of the safest, most affordable places to live in the state.
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Our History
Small-Town Values, Big-Time Progress.
Originally known as Mount Salus, The City of Clinton was settled in 1805 at the junction of the Natchez Trace and Old Vicksburg Road. By 1823, the area had become home to many settlers when Mississippi Governor Walter Leake purchased land in the area to build his home.
When the governor’s home was completed, it was christened Mount Salus, meaning “mountain of health,” since it was built near a large, flowing spring. Soon after Governor Leake took residence, the surrounding community adopted the name of his manor home. The Mount Salus community became well-known to travelers along the Natchez Trace for its many healthful and refreshing springs.
In 1828, Mt. Salus was under consideration to be the capital of the newly formed state of Mississippi. Town planners felt that the name of the proposed capital should be more prestigious; thus, the City of Clinton was born.
Unexpectedly, Clinton was defeated in its bid to become the capital. During the 1830s, however, Clinton experienced a building boom, which qualified it as the third-largest city in Mississippi, surpassed only by the port cities of Natchez and Vicksburg.
Clinton grew to become home to over 40 businesses and professional offices and one of the largest cotton gins of its time. The Clinton-Vicksburg Railroad, incorporated in 1831, contributed to the export of 20,000 bales of cotton annually, the most of any city between Vicksburg and Meridian.
Today, Clinton continues to be known for its excellent business climate, progressive government, outstanding educational opportunities, and location that combines metropolitan conveniences with historic charm.
The Clinton Public School District was recently ranked number one in the state and consistently receives an “A” ranking – the highest possible academic rating a Mississippi public school can attain.
What’s more? Our sister city partnership with Zarafshan, Uzbekistan, enriches our culture and economic development initiatives.
Clinton continues to evolve as a community blessed with unparalleled quality of life, hardworking volunteers, educational opportunities, abundant and varied recreational activities, and a willing “can-do” spirit. Whatever your interest, Clinton is ready to include you.
Originally known as Mount Salus, The City of Clinton was originally settled in 1805 at the junction of the Natchez Trace and Old Vicksburg Road. By 1823, the area had become home to many settlers when Walter Leake, the Governor of Mississippi, purchased land in the area to build his home.
When the governor’s home was completed, it was christened Mount Salus, meaning “mountain of health,” since it was built near a large, flowing spring. Soon after Governor Leake took residence, the surrounding community adopted the name of his manor home. The Mount Salus community became well-known to the travelers along the Natchez Trace for its many healthful and refreshing springs.
In 1828, Mt. Salus was under consideration to be the capital of the newly formed state of Mississippi. Town planners felt that the name of the proposed capital should be more prestigious; thus, the City of Clinton was born.
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Unexpectedly, Clinton was defeated in its bid to become the capital. During the 1830s, however, Clinton experienced a building boom, which qualified it as the third-largest city in Mississippi, surpassed only by the port cities of Natchez and Vicksburg.
Clinton grew to become home to over 40 businesses and professional offices and to one of the largest cotton gins of its time. The Clinton-Vicksburg Railroad, incorporated in 1831, contributed to the export of 20,000 bales of cotton annually, the most of any city between Vicksburg and Meridian.
Today, Clinton continues to be known for its excellent business climate, progressive government, outstanding educational opportunities, and location that combines metropolitan conveniences with historic charm.
The Clinton Public School District was recently ranked number one in the state and consistently receives an “A” ranking – the highest possible academic rating a Mississippi public school can attain.
What’s more? Our sister city partnership with Zarafshan, Uzbekistan, enriches our culture and economic development initiatives.
Clinton continues to evolve as a community blessed with an unparalleled quality of life, hardworking volunteers, educational opportunities, abundant and varied recreational activities, and a willing “can-do” spirit. Whatever your interest, Clinton is ready to include you.
Originally known as Mount Salus, The City of Clinton was originally settled in 1805 at the junction of the Natchez Trace and Old Vicksburg Road. By 1823, the area had become home to many settlers when Walter Leake, the Governor of Mississippi, purchased land in the area to build his home.
When the governor’s home was completed, it was christened Mount Salus, meaning “mountain of health,” since it was built near a large, flowing spring. Soon after Governor Leake took residence, the surrounding community adopted the name of his manor home. The Mount Salus community became well-known to the travelers along the Natchez Trace for its many healthful and refreshing springs.
In 1828, Mt. Salus was under consideration to be the capital of the newly formed state of Mississippi. Town planners felt that the name of the proposed capital should be more prestigious; thus, the City of Clinton was born.
Visit Clinton
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