Founded in 1823, Clinton was originally known as Mount Salus, which means "Mountain of Health". Mount Salus was also the name of the Clinton home of Walter Leake, third governor of Mississippi. In 1828, the City’s name was changed from Mount Salus to Clinton in honor of DeWitt Clinton, a former governor of New York. In 1875, Sarah Dickey established Mount Hermon Female Seminary, a historical African American institution of higher education for women. It closed in 1925.
Education is a source of great community pride with Pre-K through Doctorate level studies available within our City limits. Clinton is home to three K-12 school systems and a historic college. The Clinton Public Schools – Mississippi's #1 ranked school district - is the first school system in the State to give all students, grades 7-12, computers to advance their learning opportunities. The high school is also home to the nationally renowned Attaché Show Choir, winners of numerous national competitions, a soccer team with 9 men and 1 womens’state championships, and unequaled athletic facilities. In addition, the community boasts two private Christian schools - the “Mt Salus Eagles” and the “The Clinton Christian Academy Warriors”. We also support a strong home schooled population. Last year Clinton seniors received over $3,500,000 in college scholarships.
Mississippi College, a Christian University, is the oldest college in the state of Mississippi. Founded in January 24, 1826, MC is the second oldest Baptist University in the world and the first coeducational college in the United States to grant a degree to a woman.
Our downtown historic brick streets, constructed in 1929, welcome you to a charming Olde Towne community. With many historic homes throughout this district, you can walk back into a time when life was slower and enjoy Southern hospitality at its best. Bordered by Mississippi College, Olde Towne enjoys a great mix of students and families browsing through antique shops and an old book store. Or come tap your foot at the Natchez Trace Visitor Center each Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon as local musicians play old time favorites.
Clinton’s cultural opportunities are second to none in the area. Enjoy our growing art community and view the sculptures of nationally recognized artist Dr. Sam Gore as well as the water color paintings of regionally renowned painter Wyatt Waters. Each year, Mississippi College sponsors fascinating speakers - such as Dr. Condoleezza Rice - sharing information and anecdotes on timely topics of great interest. And our Main Street volunteers host “a Movie and Popcorn” event on the brick streets – so bring your chair and dog. Throughout the year, our varied activities range from the “Brick Street Festival”, “Cruzin Clinton” car show, local/regional softball and soccer tournaments, the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza, and the “Fresh at Five” market.
Our 6 recreational facilities offer over 100 activities including softball/soccer/baseball, square dancing, tennis, basketball, and Frisbee golf. Kids Towne Park, built by community volunteers, offers a unique, child friendly experience, enjoyed by thousands of our youngest citizens. The privately run Clinton Nature Center offers an opportunity to learn the value of nature in an unspoiled environment. Our 43 churches offer a variety of religious activities and Clinton will host the “Mid-Mississippi Celebration” featuring Will Graham – grandson of Billy Graham – in March 2014.
Whether you are single, newlywed with children in your future, already raising children, or retired (Clinton is a designated “Retirement Community”), our town enjoys many distinct and diverse neighborhoods. Whatever your price range, Clinton has a home and neighborhood for you - all with friendly folks looking out for each other. When you factor in our low crime rate, fast emergency response time, and strong enforcement of subdivision regulations, you can be assured that your investment in a Clinton home will grow for years to come.
Today, Clinton continues to evolve as a community blessed with an unparalleled quality of life, hardworking volunteers, educational opportunities, abundant/varied recreational activities and a willing "can do" spirit. Whatever your interest, Clinton is ready to include you. Visit us and enjoy the small town feel of a growing, progressive City.
You Belong in Clinton,
Phil Fisher, Mayor