Founding 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 community adopted the name of his manor home. The Mt. Salus community became well known to the travelers along the Natchez Trace for its many healthful and refreshing springs.
Becoming Clinton
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, and so the City of Clinton was born.
Unexpectedly, Clinton was defeated in its bid to become the capital. But defeat was secondary. During the 1830s, 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 from this city, the most of any city between Vicksburg and Meridian.
You Belong Here
Today, Clinton continues to be known for its excellent business climate, progressive government, outstanding educational opportunities, and a 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.
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.