Clintonis a city in and thecounty seatofAnderson County, Tennessee.[7]Clinton is included in theKnoxville metropolitan area.Its population was 10,056 at the2020 census.
Clinton | |
|---|---|
 Main Street in Downtown Clinton | |
 Seal  Logo | |
 Location of Clinton in Anderson County, Tennessee. | |
| Coordinates:36°6′17″N84°7′43″W/ 36.10472°N 84.12861°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Tennessee |
| County | Anderson |
| Incorporated | 1801[1] |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| •Mayor | Scott Burton |
| •Vice Mayor | Rob Herrell |
| •City Manager | Roger Houck |
| • City Council | List of Councilmen |
| Area | |
• Total | 12.25 sq mi (31.72 km2) |
| • Land | 11.63 sq mi (30.11 km2) |
| • Water | 0.62 sq mi (1.60 km2) |
| Elevation | 824 ft (251 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 10,056 |
| • Density | 864.88/sq mi (333.93/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5(Eastern EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4(EDT) |
| ZIP codes | 37716-37717 |
| Area code | 865 |
| FIPS code | 47-15580[6] |
| GNISfeature ID | 1305981[4] |
| Website | www |
History
editEarly history
editPrehistoricNative Americanhabitation was common throughout theClinch Rivervalley, especially during theWoodland period(1000 B.C. – 1000 A.D.) and theMississippian period(1000–1550 A.D.). A number of such habitation sites were excavated in the 1930s and 1950s in anticipation of the construction ofNorris DamandMelton Hill Dam,respectively. The Melton Hill excavations uncovered two substantial Woodland period villages along the Clinch at Bull Bluff and Freels Bend, both approximately 20 miles (32 km) downstream from Clinton.[8]
By the time Euro-American explorers andlonghuntersarrived in the Clinch valley in the mid-18th century, what is now Anderson County was part of a vast stretch of land claimed by theCherokee.[9]Although theTreaty of Holston,signed in 1791, was intended as a negotiation with the Cherokee to prohibit Euro-American settlement of the area including what is today Anderson County, the treaty became ineffective as more settlers moved through theAppalachian MountainsfromVirginiaandNorth Carolinainto Tennessee. The earliest settlers in Anderson County included the Wallace, Gibbs, Freels, Frost and Tunnell families. The flooding of white settlers into the Indian domain was cause for several skirmishes, which eased after theTreaty of Tellicoin 1798 (including an origination point for the land to be relinquished from the Cherokee being theTellico Blockhouse) allowed for greater ease in settling the area.[10]
Founded in 1801, the town of Burrville was named in honor ofAaron Burr,first-termVice PresidentunderThomas Jefferson.Land was selected and partitioned for a courthouse, and Burrville was designated as the county seat for the newly formed Anderson County. The county was partitioned from portions ofGrainger CountyandKnox Countyin 1801; neighboringRoane Countywas also formed from a portion of Knox County in 1801.[11]
On November 8, 1809, by an act of the Tennessee State Legislature, the town of Burrville was renamed because of the disgrace of theBurr–Hamilton duel,which resulted in the death ofAlexander Hamilton.The selection of the name "Clinton" was most likely to honorGeorge Clintonor his nephew,DeWitt Clinton.[12]George Clinton was one of Burr's New York political rivals who, along withAlexander Hamilton,destroyed Burr's bid for the governorship of New York after his single-term vice presidency. George Clinton succeeded Burr as the second-term vice president for Jefferson in 1805 (and also served asJames Madison's vice president, making Clinton the first vice president to serve under two presidents and the first vice president to die in office). Because of the political position of George Clinton as vice president at the time of Burrville's name change, compared to DeWitt Clinton's position as the mayor ofNew York City,most likely the residents of the town of Burrville would have been more readily identifiable and more honorable toward George Clinton than DeWitt; therefore, it is most likely Clinton was named after George Clinton, barring historical proof.
World War II
editTheClinton Engineer Works,named after Clinton, was the official name for theManhattan Projectsite in Tennessee which produced theenriched uraniumused in the 1945bombing of Hiroshima,as well as the first examples of reactor-producedplutonium.The site was also known by the name of its largest township, Oak Ridge. The works were located starting about 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of Clinton, continued for 10 miles (16 km) towardsKingstonand contained roughly 58,900 acres (23,800 ha).
Clinton High School desegregation controversy
edit
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Q&Ainterview with Rachel Louise Martin onA Most Tolerant Little Town: The Explosive Beginning of School Desegregation,July 30, 2023,C-SPAN |
In 1956, Clinton gained national attention when segregationists opposed thedesegregationofClinton High School.Following theU.S. Supreme Courtdecision in the case ofBrown v. Board of Education,a court order required the desegregation of the high school. TwelveAfrican-Americanstudents enrolled in the high school in the fall of 1956. On August 27, 1956,The Clinton 12attended classes at Clinton High School for the first time, becoming the first African-Americans to desegregate a state-supported public school in the Southeast.
While the first day of classes occurred without incident, pro-segregation forces led byJohn KasperandAsa Carterarrived in Clinton the following week and rallied the city's white citizens. Riots broke out in early September, forcing GovernorFrank G. Clementto station National Guard units in Clinton throughout September. Sporadic violence and threats continued for the next two years, culminating in the bombing of Clinton High School on October 5, 1958. With an influx of outside aid, however, the school was quickly rebuilt.[13]A museum dedicated to the desegregation crisis, the Green McAdoo Cultural Center, is housed in Clinton's segregation-eraGreen McAdoo School.
Rogers Group quarry pushback
editIn the 1990s, the Rogers Group, a firm specializing in road paving, began a campaign to reactivate an abandonedquarryand build anasphalt plantjust east of Clinton near the community of Bethel. The initiative met with opposition from local and environmental groups, who were concerned that the plant would release cancer-causing toxins into nearby residential neighborhoods. Others were concerned about plummeting property values, noise pollution, damage from rock blasting, and environmental damage to Buffalo Creek. The company argued that it would follow stringent environmental and pollution guidelines,retention pondswould limit runoff, and that the site would be surrounded by vegetation. Nevertheless, Anderson County refused to rezone the quarry property for industrial uses, and Rogers Group sued the county in 1995.[14][15]
In December 2006, after Rogers Group's lawsuit had stagnated, the city of Clinton voted to annex the quarry property.[14]On August 20, 2007, the Clinton City Council voted 6–1 to rezone the quarry property for industrial uses, paving the way for the plant's construction. In response, a local advocacy group known as Citizens for Safety and Clean Air filed a lawsuit on behalf of several Bethel residents in Anderson County Chancery Court contending that the council's rezoning was unconstitutional and seeking an injunction preventing the council from rezoning the property as an industrial zone.[16]
Modern day
edit
In 2018, urban developers and city officials met with the proposal to redevelop the downtown and waterfront area of Clinton after theTennessee Department of Transportationbegan construction on a new bridge to carryUS 25W-SR 9across the Clinch River.[17]The highlight of the project is the 7-acre site of the former Magnet Mills complex, having 1,400 feet of Clinch River frontage. Proposed additions to the site include improved commercial development and pedestrian access in the downtown area, and a waterfront esplanade and multi-story mixed-use buildings with upper-level residential space and ground level retail and restaurant space.[17]
Since 2018, an unknown developer based out of Knoxville has planned, under contract, the purchase of the Magnet Mills site along with a nearby plot of land with the intention of converting the area into a mix of residential and retail use.[18]The City of Clinton has also applied for grants towards the improvement of the streets and sidewalks in the city's downtown area.[18]In July 2019, the remaining structures of Magnet Mills site, excluding the water tower, were demolished as the developer closed the sale on mill site.[19]
In early 2019, Aspire, a 450-acre multi-amenity park, was planned for development south of Clinton's downtown area. The park, proposed by the local non-profit organization, the Hollingsworth Foundation, which owns land for the site along with theTennessee Valley Authority,plans for the park to give visitors access to hiking and mountain biking trails, event venues, kayak ports, and flower gardens.[20]In October 2019, construction work began on the site of the park.[21]
Geography
edit
Clinton is located at36°6′17″N84°7′43″W/ 36.10472°N 84.12861°W(36.104772, −84.128487),[22]along theClinch River,immediately downstream from a point where the southwestward-flowing river bends sharply to the northeast before wrapping around Lost Ridge and continuing again toward the southwest. This section of the river is technically part of Melton Hill Lake, areservoircreated by the impoundment of the Clinch atMelton Hill Damsome 35 miles (56 km) downstream from Clinton. Clinton is located approximately 59 miles (95 km) upstream from the mouth of the Clinch at theTennessee River.
Clinton is surrounded by a series of long, narrow ridges that represent the western fringe of theAppalachian Ridge and Valley Province.Northwest of Clinton isWalden Ridge,the eastern escarpment of theCumberland Plateau.
Clinton is concentrated around the junction ofTennessee State Route 61andU.S. Route 25W.State Route 61 connects the city toNorrisandAndersonvilleto the northeast and the community ofMarlowand the town ofOliver Springsto the southwest, following a natural series of pathways through the mountain terrain.U.S. Route 25Wconnects the city to Knoxville to the southeast andRocky TopandCaryvilleto the north.Interstate 75intersects TN-61 northeast of downtown Clinton.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau,Clinton has a total area of 12.0 square miles (31.1 km2), of which 11.4 square miles (29.6 km2) is land and 0.58 square miles (1.5 km2), or 4.91%, is water.[23]
Climate
editThe climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. According to theKöppen Climate Classificationsystem, Clinton has aHumid subtropical climate,abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[24]
| Climate data for Clinton, Tennessee | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 45 (7) |
50 (10) |
60 (16) |
70 (21) |
77 (25) |
84 (29) |
87 (31) |
86 (30) |
80 (27) |
70 (21) |
58 (14) |
48 (9) |
68 (20) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 25 (−4) |
28 (−2) |
36 (2) |
43 (6) |
52 (11) |
60 (16) |
65 (18) |
64 (18) |
58 (14) |
45 (7) |
36 (2) |
29 (−2) |
45 (7) |
| Averageprecipitationmm (inches) | 5.1 (130) |
5.3 (130) |
5.7 (140) |
4.3 (110) |
3.8 (97) |
4.6 (120) |
5.2 (130) |
4.1 (100) |
3.2 (81) |
2.6 (66) |
3.6 (91) |
5 (130) |
52.7 (1,340) |
| Source: Weatherbase[25] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 325 | — | |
| 1880 | 263 | −19.1% | |
| 1890 | 1,198 | 355.5% | |
| 1900 | 1,111 | −7.3% | |
| 1910 | 1,090 | −1.9% | |
| 1920 | 1,409 | 29.3% | |
| 1930 | 1,927 | 36.8% | |
| 1940 | 2,761 | 43.3% | |
| 1950 | 3,712 | 34.4% | |
| 1960 | 4,943 | 33.2% | |
| 1970 | 4,794 | −3.0% | |
| 1980 | 5,245 | 9.4% | |
| 1990 | 8,972 | 71.1% | |
| 2000 | 9,409 | 4.9% | |
| 2010 | 9,841 | 4.6% | |
| 2020 | 10,056 | 2.2% | |
| [5] | |||
2020 census
edit| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White(non-Hispanic) | 8,961 | 89.11% |
| Black or African American(non-Hispanic) | 244 | 2.43% |
| Native American | 21 | 0.21% |
| Asian | 84 | 0.84% |
| Pacific Islander | 3 | 0.03% |
| Other/Mixed | 493 | 4.9% |
| HispanicorLatino | 250 | 2.49% |
As of the2020 United States census,there were 10,056 people, 4,417 households, and 2,857 families residing in the city.
2000 census
editAs of thecensus[6]of 2000, there were 9,409 people, 4,201 households, and 2,688 families residing in the city. The population density was 862.8 inhabitants per square mile (333.1/km2). There were 4,441 housing units at an average density of 407.2 per square mile (157.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.47%White,2.72%African American,0.33%Native American,0.38%Asian,0.28% fromother races,and 0.82% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 0.85% of the population.
There were 4,201 households, out of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% weremarried couplesliving together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.0% were non-families. 31.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.78.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,481, and the median income for a family was $43,099. Males had a median income of $32,120 versus $23,550 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $17,730. About 11.8% of families and 16.5% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 21.1% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.
Government
editClinton uses thecouncil-manager governmentsystem, which was established in 1890 when the city was incorporated. Clinton is governed by a seven-member city council composed of the mayor and six council members.[27]
Clinton is represented in theTennessee House of Representativesin the 33rd district byJohn Ragan,aRepublican.[28]In theTennessee State Senate,the city is represented by the5th districtby Lieutenant Governor of TennesseeRandy McNally,also a Republican.[29]Clinton is represented in theUnited States House of RepresentativesbyChuck Fleischmannof the3rd congressional district,a Republican.[30]
Notable people
edit- Trey Hollingsworth,congressmanborn in Clinton
- John C. Houk,congressmanborn in Clinton
- The McKameys,Southern Gospel group based in Clinton
- Charles McRae,NFL 1st round draft choice, All-American football tackle
- John R. Neal,congressman born near Clinton
- Paul Turner,American Baptist pastor notable for his efforts in the integration of Clinton High School
- Larry Seivers,two-time All-Americanwide receiverat theUniversity of Tennessee
- Barry A. Vann,author, speaker, and professor of historical geography
References
edit- ^Tennessee Blue Book,2005–2006, pp. 618–625.
- ^"Clinton".Municipal Technical Advisory Service.RetrievedAugust 1,2020.
- ^"ArcGIS REST Services Directory".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^abU.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Clinton, Tennessee
- ^ab"Census Population API".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedOctober 15,2022.
- ^ab"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
- ^"Find a County".National Association of Counties. Archived fromthe originalon May 31, 2011.RetrievedJune 7,2011.
- ^Glyn DuVall, "A Phase I Archaeological Survey of Proposed Potable Water Storage and Force Main Facilities, Y-12 National Security Complex Site, Anderson County, Tennessee[permanent dead link]."August 2005. Retrieved: February 21, 2008.
- ^Snyder Roberts, "Historical Background of Anderson County, TNArchived2008-05-11 at theWayback Machine,"originally published inHistory of Clinton Senior High School,1971. Retrieved: February 21, 2008.
- ^Overholt, James (1989).Anderson County, Tennessee.The Donning Company.pp. 13–20.ISBN0-89865-770-9.
- ^Wells, Emma Middleton (1927).History of Roane County, Tennessee, Volume 1.The Lookout Publishing Company. pp. 9–11.ISBN0-8063-8003-9.
- ^Tara Mitchell Mielnik,Anderson County."The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture,2009. Retrieved: February 11, 2013.
- ^Carroll Van West, "Clinton Desegregation Crisis."The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture,2009. Retrieved: February 11, 2013.
- ^abLeean Tupper, "Citizens Sue Clinton and Rogers GroupArchived2016-03-07 at theWayback Machine,"September 19, 2007. Retrieved: February 21, 2008.
- ^Bob Fowler, "Clinton Passes Annex Rezoning."August 21, 2007. Retrieved: February 21, 2008.
- ^Bob Fowler, "Group Files Lawsuit Over Council's Rezoning."September 19, 2007. Retrieved: February 26, 2016.
- ^abGaines, Jim (April 6, 2018)."Clinton envisions major downtown makeover, sparked by new bridge".Knoxville News Sentinel.RetrievedAugust 3,2020.
- ^abGaines, Jim (January 2, 2019)."Redevelopment of Clinton's downtown gains steam".Knoxville News Sentinel.RetrievedAugust 3,2020.
- ^Leinart, Ken (July 24, 2019)."Magnet Mills site reaches milestone".The Courier News.RetrievedAugust 3,2020.
- ^Smith, Shannon (March 25, 2019)."Massive multi-amenity park planned for south Clinton".WBIR-TV.RetrievedAugust 3,2020.
- ^"Aspire Foundation issues release".The Courier News.October 9, 2019.
- ^"US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990".United States Census Bureau.February 12, 2011.RetrievedApril 23,2011.
- ^"Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Clinton city, Tennessee".U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived fromthe originalon February 12, 2020.RetrievedAugust 8,2013.
- ^"Clinton, Tennessee Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)".Weatherbase.RetrievedAugust 1,2020.
- ^ "Weatherbase.com".Weatherbase. 2013. Retrieved on September 20, 2013.
- ^"Explore Census Data".data.census.gov.RetrievedDecember 26,2021.
- ^City of Clinton, Tennessee."Clinton City Council".www.clintontn.net.RetrievedJune 29,2020.
- ^Tennessee General Assembly, State of Tennessee."Representative John Ragan".www.capitol.tn.gov.RetrievedJune 29,2020.
- ^Tennessee General Assembly, State of Tennessee."Lt. Governor Randy McNally".www.capitol.tn.gov.RetrievedJune 29,2020.
- ^"Our District".fleischmann.house.gov.RetrievedJune 29,2020.
Further reading
edit- Martin, Rachel Louise.A Most Tolerant Little Town: The Explosive Beginning of School Desegregation.New York: Simon & Schuster, 2023.
External links
edit
- Official website
- Municipal Technical Advisory Service entry for Clinton— information on local government, elections, and link to charter