Clinton, Iowa Explained

Clinton, Iowa
Settlement Type:City
Motto:So many things to do - With a river view!
Mapsize:250px
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Clinton
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Scott Maddasion
Established Title:Incorporated
Established Date:January 26, 1857[1]
Named For:DeWitt Clinton
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Sq Mi:38.46
Area Footnotes:[2]
Area Total Km2:99.62
Area Land Sq Mi:35.60
Area Land Km2:92.20
Area Water Sq Mi:2.86
Area Water Km2:7.42
Population As Of:2020
Population Total:24469
Population Rank:18th in Iowa
Population Density Km2:265.38
Population Density Sq Mi:687.33
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Coordinates:41.8469°N -90.2072°W
Elevation M:185
Elevation Ft:600
Postal Code Type:ZIP codes
Postal Code:52732-52734, 52736, 52771
Area Code:563
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:19-14430
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:0455480
Website:http://www.cityofclintoniowa.us/

Clinton is a city in and the county seat of Clinton County, Iowa, United States.[3] It borders the Mississippi River. The population was 24,469 as of 2020.[4]

Clinton, along with DeWitt (also located in Clinton County), was named in honor of the sixth governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton. Incorporated on January 26, 1857, Clinton is the principal city of the Clinton Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is coterminous with Clinton County.[5]

History

Elijah Buell, among the first European-American settlers in the Clinton area, established the town of Lyons in 1837. It was named after the French city Lyon. It grew with the lumber and railroad industry through the century, and merged in 1895 with the City of Clinton.

Clinton was platted as the Town of New York in 1836 by Joseph Bartlett.[6] He was looking for gold deposits in the area.[7]

In 1855, the Chicago, Iowa, Nebraska Railroad announced it would build a bridge across the Mississippi River at Little Rock Island. The Iowa Land Company named the town as Clinton, in honor of DeWitt Clinton, governor of New York State. A general city charter was adopted in 1857.

Clinton's population grew to more than 1,000 as construction of the bridge continued. In 1859, the railroad line was completed to Cedar Rapids. Fifty years later, the single-track railroad bridge was replaced by a double-track bridge that was completed in 1909.

Between the 1850s and 1900, Lyons and Clinton quickly became centers of the lumber industry [8] and together were regarded as the "Lumber Capital of the World." In the 1880s and 1890s, Clinton boasted more millionaires per capita than any other city in the nation.In 1895, the town of Lyons officially merged with the city of Clinton.

By the end of 1900, the northern forests were depleted and the sawmills closed. The railroad and river, providing economical transportation in all directions, attracted manufacturing and heavy industry. The city still boasts a number of magnificent Victorian mansions built during that time. Among these is the George M. Curtis House.

In 1925, Clinton acquired Eagle Point Park as part of its park system.

In 1956, the Gateway Bridge (Illinois-Iowa) was opened.

In 1965, the Mississippi River crested at 24.85 feet, effectively flooding the city of Clinton as well as many other cities along the Mississippi. The US Army Corps of Engineers began a seven-year, $28.9 million levee project. An 8.1-mile dyke, 4,330 feet of concrete flood wall, six pumping stations, seven closure structures, five major street crossings; 17,320 feet of new sewer; and 23 gate wells were completed and dedicated in June 1981.

In 2005, Clinton was awarded one of the inaugural Iowa Great Places designations.[9] Under this award, Clinton received a $1 million state budget allocation for cultural and landscape improvements along the city's riverfront.

In 2009, Archer Daniels Midland began construction of a new cogeneration plant to Clinton.[10] [11] This has brought more jobs and workers to Clinton.

In 2016, the city obtained the certification for Lincolnway Industrial Rail and Air Park. The park is located adjacent to US Highway 30 and the Clinton Municipal Airport. The Union Pacific East-West Mainline runs to the south, with a dedicated spur running into the park. Targeted industries for the Clinton Region included chemicals processing, metal fabrication, and value-added agriculture. Rail.One, HeroBX, and Atlas Roofing Corporation were expected to occupy the Rail Park in 2025.

In the 2010s-2020s, many businesses expanded, adding hundreds of new jobs to the area. These businesses include Big River Packaging, Nestle Purina, and Archer Daniels Midland. They invested millions of dollars into the community. This catalyzed the development of new suburban housing developments, restaurants, and recreational attractions.

In 2020, Clinton received a grant from ‘Iowa Great Places’. It dedicated to a project known as ‘Even More Things to Do with a River View.’ Funds were used to improve the city's riverfront and improve public access.[12]

In 2023, the historic Clinton High School was torn down. The newly built Clinton High was opened for student use. Additionally, the 'Tailgate N' Tallboys' concert brought nearly 9,000 people to Clinton for a 3-day concert series.

Geography

Clinton is located at (41.846863, -90.207330).[13]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.01sqmi, of which 35.15sqmi is land and 2.86sqmi is water.[14]

Clinton is on the western shore of the Mississippi River and is the easternmost city in Iowa. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge passes through Clinton along the river.

The pool of the Mississippi River above Lock and Dam No. 13 is the widest section of the river at 1.8miles across.[15]

Climate

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census[16] of 2010, there were 26,885 people, 11,246 households, and 6,889 families residing in the city. The population density was 764.9PD/sqmi. There were 12,202 housing units at an average density of 347.1/sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.0% White, 4.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 11,246 households, of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.0% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.7% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age in the city was 40.4 years. 23.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.6% were from 45 to 64; and 17.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.5% male and 51.5% female.

2000 census

As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 27,772 people, 11,427 households, and 7,358 families residing in the city. The population density was 780.9sp=usNaNsp=us. There were 12,412 housing units at an average density of 349sp=usNaNsp=us. The racial makeup of the city was 93.80% White, 3.22% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.81% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.68% of the population.

There were 11,427 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.93.

Age spread: 24.6% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

In the 2000 census 37.7% of the population reported they were of German ancestry, 15.3% of Irish ancestry, 11.4% of British (English, Scottish, Welsh or Scots-Irish) ancestry, 7.8% of Scandinavian ancestry and 5.8% of Dutch ancestry.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,159, and the median income for a family was $43,157. Males had a median income of $34,210 versus $20,882 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,320. About 10.0% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation

Tourist attractions

Transportation

U.S. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway), U.S. Route 67 (Great River Road), and Iowa Highway 136 pass through Clinton.

For air travel, the Quad City International Airport, which is about 40 miles away in Moline, Illinois, is the closest commercial airport and can be reached in less than one hour by car. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is about 140 miles east, and can typically be reached in less than three hours by car.

Clinton has a municipal airport (Clinton Municipal Airport, KCWI) that serves the general aviation community. There are two runways, 3-21 which is 5,200' long, and 14-32 which is 3700' long. Numerous instrument approaches are available.

Major railroads include the Union Pacific Railroad and the Canadian Pacific.

A national U.S. recreation trail, the Mississippi River Trail passes through Clinton.[23]

For intracity transit, residents can rely on the MTA's 6 bus routes that run throughout the city. Disabled residents can rely on the MTA's para-transit service.

Education

Prince of Peace Catholic Academy is a Private Catholic K-12 school.

The Clinton Community School District is a public district home to many schools:

Gateway Area Community Center is an alternative high school for students who struggle to learn in a regular classroom.

The Lighthouse School is a boarding and computer-based self-learning program.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges also has a branch, Clinton Community College

Religion

Note: These are just a few of the many churches in Clinton.

Catholic Church

Lutheran Churches

LDS

Non-denominational Christian Churches

Baptist Church

Islamic Mosque

Methodist Church

Culture and institutions

Architecture

National Historic Landmark:

Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:

Notable people

Notable businesses, past and present

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: List of Incorporated Cities . Iowa Secretary of State . 3 June 2020.
  2. Web site: 2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. March 16, 2022.
  3. Web site: Find a County . June 7, 2011 . National Association of Counties . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx . May 31, 2011 .
  4. Web site: 2020 Census State Redistricting Data . census.gov . United states Census Bureau . 12 August 2021.
  5. https://www.census.gov/population/www/metroareas/lists/2007/List5.txt Micropolitan Statistical Areas and Components
  6. Web site: Clinton, Iowa - Our Community. https://web.archive.org/web/20120508033417/http://www.clintonia.com/community.html. dead. 8 May 2012. 14 November 2021.
  7. Book: Schmitt, Ronald. Clinton Iowa: An Architectural Heritage. Department of Community Development, City of Clinton, Iowa. 1980. Clinton, Iowa. 5–11.
  8. Clinton (1.) . VI . 7 . 1.
  9. Web site: Iowa Great Places. Culturalaffairs.org. 14 November 2021.
  10. Web site: Archer Daniels Midland ADM. 2018-01-22. ADM. en-us. ADM. 2018-01-22.
  11. Web site: Archer Daniels Midland ADM. 2018-01-22. ADM. en-us. ADM. 2018-01-22.
  12. Web site: ArcGIS Dashboards . 10 June 2024 .
  13. Web site: US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990. United States Census Bureau. April 23, 2011. February 12, 2011.
  14. Web site: US Gazetteer files 2010 . . May 11, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120601072332/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt . June 1, 2012 .
  15. Web site: US Army Corps of Engineers. Upper Mississippi River Navigation Charts. December 2, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20110526080637/http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/NIC2/mrcharts.cfm?index=3. May 26, 2011. dead.
  16. Web site: U.S. Census website. United States Census Bureau. May 11, 2012.
  17. Web site: U.S. Census website . . January 31, 2008 .
  18. Web site: Parks and Recreation Department | Clinton, IA. cityofclintoniowa.gov.
  19. Web site: Parks and Recreation Department | Clinton, IA. cityofclintoniowa.gov.
  20. Web site: Parks and Recreation Department | Clinton, IA. cityofclintoniowa.gov.
  21. Web site: Jurgensen Soccer Complex. Clinton, IA.
  22. Web site: Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center website. A Childs World. November 22, 2010.
  23. Web site: Mississippi River Trail. December 2, 2010.
  24. Book: Abbott, Mary. The wondrous works of Claire Allen, architect. 14 November 1996. City of Jackson Historic District Commission. 14 November 2021. Openlibrary.org. 485525M.
  25. https://web.archive.org/web/20050228232441/http://www.rootsweb.com/~iaclinto/places/castleterrace.htm Castle Terrace Historic District
  26. Web site: St. Irenaeus: A legacy in danger. Clinton Herald (September 17, 2009) . September 30, 2010 . Smith . Jeniece. September 17, 2009 .
  27. News: Iowan downplays Medal of Honor designation . Jacobs . Jennifer . . September 12, 2010 . https://archive.today/20100913084436/http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100912/NEWS/9120338/Iowan-downplays-Medal-of-Honor-designation . September 13, 2010 . dead .
  28. Web site: George Stone Minor Leagues Statistics & History. Baseball-Reference.com. 14 November 2021.
  29. _____ (1906) American Lumbermen: The Personal History and Public and Business Achievements of Eminent Lumbermen of the United States, Volume 2, Chicago:The American Lumberman, p. 21-24, see https://archive.org/details/americanlumberme03chic, accessed June 30, 2014.
  30. P.B. Wolfe (1911) Wolfe's History of Clinton County, Iowa, v. 1, B. F. Bowen (publisher), p. 685, see https://archive.org/details/wolfeshistorycl00wolfgoog, accessed June 30, 2014.
  31. [{{NHLS url|id=76000753}} National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Van Allen and Son Department Store / John D. Van Allen and Son Dry-Goods Store]. pdf. July 1975 . Carolyn Pitts . National Park Service.  
  32. Web site: Van Allen and Company Department Store. October 3, 2007. National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110606050501/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1620&ResourceType=Building. June 6, 2011.