Clinton, Missouri

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Clinton is a city in Henry County, Missouri, United States. The population was 9,311 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Henry County^GR6.

1 Geography
2 Recreation
3 The Town's Layout
4 2006 Elk's Lodge Collapse
5 External links

[edit] Geography

Clinton is located at 38°22′12″N, 93°46′18″W (38.370067, -93.771689)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 24.0 km² (9.3 mi²). 23.9 km² (9.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.22%) is water.

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 9,311 people, 3,978 households, and 2,502 families residing in the city. The population density was 389.1/km² (1,007.6/mi²). There were 4,342 housing units at an average density of 181.4/km² (469.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.49% White, 1.77% African American, 0.92% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03% of the population.

There were 3,978 households out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.0% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,079, and the median income for a family was $32,378. Males had a median income of $26,834 versus $19,096 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,282. About 11.9% of families and 15.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.0% of those under age 18 and 13.3% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Recreation

Clinton lies at the western end of the Katy Trail, a 225 mile long state park enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and horseback riders. The trail is built on the path of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which was abandoned between Clinton and Sedalia in 1989. The former Katy railroad from Clinton south to Nevada (MO) is still in operation by the Missouri and Northern Arkansas Railroad (RailAmerica). The city is also situated near Truman Lake which is widely known for its excellent boating, fishing, camping, and other related activities.

Every year the Chamber of Commerce host Olde Glory Days on or around July 4th on the historic town square. The event draws over a thousand people for carnival rides, shows, and a variety of merchants. Other events on the square include car shows and parades, including homecoming and a Christmas parade.

The Bensen Center is a large, modern convention hall and public exercise facility within the city limits which is available to all local residents. In 2006, it opened a large indoor swimming complex. The local museum is excellent, including an indoor pioneer village and a genuine pioneer house outside. There is also an independently owned six screen theater and other activities held by the local library, churches and other organizations.

[edit] The Town's Layout

The historic downtown square serves as a center for community commerce and public affairs (The square also doubles over as a parking lot.) It features a central courthouse and numerous shops, stores, and eating facilities. More than a dozen churches are found in the community, a few of which predate 1900. Several important state highways intersect at Clinton, and a cluster of "big-box" stores, as well as several "national-chain" motels, are located in that area. Smaller motels are found on the outskirts of town on all sides. The several residential neighborhoods range from directly adjacent to the town square to lying a mile or more away. In terms of wealth, the neighborhoods go from solidly lower income, to middle-class ranch-house areas to a small, affluent burough, where larger lawns and brick-and-tudor homes predominate. In addition to these generalities, there are several older neighborhoods which are experiencing a period of renewal and redevelopment.

[edit] 2006 Elk's Lodge Collapse

Collapsed Elk's Lodge

On June 26, 2006, a building in the historic town square collapsed; on the second and third floors, an Elks Club (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) meeting was taking place. The leader, Tony Komer, who was on the third floor of the building preparing a speech, is the only one who died. Nine people were pulled from the rubble, while the rest left on their own power. [1] In the "Olde Glory Days" parade, which occurred less than one week after the accident, Komer was memorialized, and Elk's Lodge members from many parts of Western Missouri marched to show their support for the Clinton chapter.