Clinton

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. He was looking for gold deposits in the area.

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. Lyons Female College was established in 1858.

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 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.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 38.01 square miles (98.45 km2), of which 35.15 square miles (91.04 km2) is land and 2.86 square miles (7.41 km2) is water.

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 1.8 miles (2.9 km) across.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Clinton had a population of 24,469. The population density was 687.3 inhabitants per square mile (265.4/km2). There were 11,864 housing units at an average density of 333.3 per square mile (128.7/km2).

The median age was 41.4 years. 24.9% of the residents were under the age of 20 (22.6% under 18), 5.1% were between the ages of 20 and 24, 23.7% were from 25 to 44, 26.5% were from 45 to 64, and 19.8% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 94.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 92.0 males age 18 and over.

94.5% of residents lived in urban areas, while 5.5% lived in rural areas.

There were 10,440 households and 6,201 families in the city. Of all households, 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 39.9% were married-couple households, 9.4% were cohabitating couples, 29.4% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present, and 21.4% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present. About 40.6% of all households were non-families, 33.6% were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Housing units had a vacancy rate of 12.0%; the homeowner vacancy rate was 3.5% and the rental vacancy rate was 12.8%.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 26,885 people, 11,246 households, and 6,889 families residing in the city. The population density was 764.9 inhabitants per square mile (295.3/km2). There were 12,202 housing units at an average density of 347.1 per square mile (134.0/km2). 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 of 2000, there were 27,772 people, 11,427 households, and 7,358 families residing in the city. The population density was 780.9 inhabitants per square mile (301.5/km2). There were 12,412 housing units at an average density of 349.0 per square mile (134.7/km2). 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

Eagle Point Park is a 164-acre park located on the north side of the City. It is on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. It includes the Eagle Point Lodge, Soaring Eagle Nature Center, Flannery one-room schoolhouse, many playgrounds, Prairie Pastures Dog Park, A Disc Golf Course, Equestrian Center and trails, Mississippi River Overlook, Picnic Areas, a restored prairie and butterfly gardens, approximately 3 miles of hiking trails, a waterfall, and a large stone castle.

Riverview Park is a 65-acre park overlooking the Mississippi River encompassing several features including a marina and restaurant, public boat ramps, Pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, ball diamonds, Lubbers Fountain, large municipal swimming pool, picnic areas, Riverview Bandshell, skate park, playground, RV Park, bike path, Showboat theatre, and prospect league baseball stadium.

Other parks in the City of Clinton are Dewitt Park, Clinton Park, Chancy Park, Rotary Park, Hawthorne Park, Emma Young Park, and Lyons Four Square Park.

The Clinton Fitness Court is part of a nationwide effort launched by the National Fitness Campaign to get people excited about health and wellness. Located on the Riverfront, it is accessible to those of all needs and abilities.

The Parks and Recreation Department offers over 170 recreation programs designed for all ages from preschoolers to young adults, adults, and seniors.

Clinton is home to many walking and biking trails all across town.

The Parks and Recreation Department and Administrative Office, better known as the Ericksen Community Center, is located on the northernmost part of 148 acres of Emma Young Park. There are three USA Softball certified softball fields, four tennis courts, a cross country running trail, a playground, and a public pond.

The Jurgensen Soccer Complex was re-opened in the fall of 2020 following a major expansion. The previously featured 3-Tiered playing field limited the ability to grow, and was not accessible for everyone. The new renovation features flattened fields so that children, parents, and families of all ages and abilities may enjoy the game of soccer.

Tourist attractions

The Bickelhaupt Arboretum is a non-profit arboretum with 14 acres of plant life

Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center a non-profit children's center that helps children explore science, the arts and culture.

Sawmill Museum is a family friendly Museum in north Clinton that teaches about the Lumber Industry and the History of Clinton.

Clinton Area Showboat Theatre is a non-profit summer stock professional theatre run in an old steamboat on the edge of the Mississippi.

Military Attractions, Clinton has a multitude of different Military Attractions to honor veterans from Clinton and the surrounding cities. These include the 9/11 Memorial, The Veterans Memorial, which is home to the famous Crunelle WWI Statue, the painted freedom rock, and the Hometown Hero Banners which are hung in the Historic Downtown every summer.

Lumber Kings Baseball is a prospect league that plays on NelsonCorp Field in the City of Clinton Municipal Riverview Stadium on the Riverfront of Clinton.

Lyons Farmers Market is held every Saturday and Wednesday at Lyons Four Square Park. This event brings in people from Clinton and surrounding areas to sell their produce and goods. The farmer's market is also home to a pavilion that goes over Roosevelt Road.

Public Art has been a current trend within the city of Clinton. Different non-profit groups have been working to put up different murals and signage in Clinton. This trend has led to eight different murals as well as the "I Believe in Clinton", Campaign which is graphic signage. Additionally, the city has opened "The Grove", a pocket park used to display the work of local artists to the public.

Clinton County Historical Society is a museum located in downtown Clinton. This museum is aimed at preserving the history of Clinton County as a whole, as well as the City of Clinton.

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's Overland Route and the Canadian Pacific.

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

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.

Unity Christian Schools is a private Christian K-12 school.

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

Clinton High School

Clinton Middle School

Jefferson Elementary

Whittier Elementary

Eagle Heights Elementary

Bluff Elementary

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

Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace Catholic Parish

Lutheran Churches

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Faith Center Church

Trinity Lutheran Church

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. John Lutheran Church

LDS

Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Non-denominational Christian Churches

Journey

River Church

Baptist Church

Gateway Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church

First Baptist Church

Islamic Mosque

Clinton Islamic Center

Methodist Church

First Methodist Church

Culture and institutions

Bickelhaupt Arboretum 340 S. 14th St.

Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, 311 Riverview Drive, Clinton

Felix Adler Discovery Center, 332 8th Ave S, Clinton

The Clinton County Historical Society, 601 South 1st Street, Clinton

The Sawmill Museum, 2231 Grant Street, Clinton

The Soaring Eagle Nature Center, 3923 North 3rd Street, Clinton

The Clinton Symphony Orchestra, performing at the Vernon Cook Theater at Clinton High School

Architecture

National Historic Landmark:

The Van Allen Building, a National Historic Landmark designed by Louis Sullivan, was completed in 1914.The Van Allen Building is currently a commercial and residential space located in Downtown Clinton. The Van Allen Building was added to the National Historic Landmarks in 1976.

Buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:

Clinton County Courthouse, constructed from 1892 to 1897 by architects Stanley Mansfield and Josiah Rice in Romanesque Revival style. Exterior walls are of red sandstone and granite and the tower is of copper which has weathered to a bright green color. Noted architect Claire Allen from Jackson, Michigan also worked on this building. The Clinton County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Clinton Public Library, financed by Andrew Carnegie and built 1903–1904 from the design of the Chicago architectural firm of Patton & Miller. Beaux Arts Neoclassica; style with a monumental entry with processional steps and flanking paired columns. Symmetry of design and borrowings of Greek and Roman inspired elements complete the composition. Exterior walls of cut and dressed limestone. The Clinton Public Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Lafayette Lamb House (YWCA), constructed in 1877 by architect W.W. Sanborn and rebuilt in 1906. Originally built in the Second Empire style, the 1906 'modernization' converted it to more of the Georgian Revival style. The Lafayette Lamb House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

City National Bank (First National Bank), designed by John Morrell & Son in the Neoclassical style and constructed in 1911–1912. City National Bank was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

Howes Building, constructed in 1900 for Edward Madison Howes by architect Josiah Rice in Renaissance Revival style, featuring engaged pilasters with Ionic capitals. The exterior street facades of the building are of red face brick with decorative accents of red terracotta. The fourth floor added in 1905 by architect John Morrell. The Howes Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Notable people

Felix Adler (1895–1960), "King of Clowns", Ringling Brothers Circus

Matt Bentley, professional wrestler for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

Harriet Frances Carpenter (1868/75 – 1956), educator, writer, suffragist

Marquis Childs (1903–1990), Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist

William Durward Connor (1874–1960), former Superintendent of the United States Military Academy

Muriel Frances Dana (1916–1997), child actress who appeared in silent films

Tom Determann (born 1950), member of the Iowa House of Representatives

Robert Drouet (1870–1914), actor and playwright

Pat Flanagan (1893–1943), sportscaster for Major League Baseball in Chicago

Judith Ellen Foster (1840–1910), early feminist, known as "The Iowa Lawyer"

Dale Gardner (1948–2014), NASA astronaut

Artemus Gates (1895–1976), World War I hero, banker, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Air during World War II

Salvatore Giunta, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.

Col. David Hilmers, former NASA Astronaut

Notable businesses, past and present

Gray & Lunt, 1857, saw mills and lumber concerns

Claussen, Thornburg & Smith, c. 1866, a small sash and door factory

Curtis Bros. & Co, George M. and Charles F. Curtis, 1866–1966, producer of general house finishings

C. Lamb & Sons, Chancy Lamb, Artemus Lamb, Lafayette Lamb, c. 1874-?, saw mills and lumber concerns

Van Allen and Company Department Store, c. 1912–1914, in the Van Allen Building

Flav's Fried Chicken, 2011, a former restaurant cofounded by Flavor Flav

ADM, Archer-Daniels-Midland, (1982–Present) a food processing corporation

Atlas Roofing Corporation, (Present) manufactures hardware equipment

Big River Packaging, (Present) designs and manufactures paperboard packaging

Clinton LumberKings, (Present) a collegiate summer baseball team of the Prospect League

Custom-Pak, (Present) manufactures industrial blow-molded parts

LyondellBasell, (Present) develops and supplies a multitude of products

Nestle Purina, (Present) manufactures pet and farm animal products

Timken, (Present) manufactures transmission products