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Clinton, Massachusetts
Clinton Town Hall
Clinton Town Hall
Flag of Clinton, Massachusetts
Flag
Official seal of Clinton, Massachusetts
Seal
Nickname(s): 
Clintonville (Original part of Lancaster)
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts.
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts.
Country United States
State Massachusetts
County Worcester
Settled 1654
Incorporated 1850
Government
 • Type Open town meeting
Area
 • Total 7.3 sq mi (18.9 km2)
 • Land 5.7 sq mi (14.8 km2)
 • Water 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km2)
Elevation
366 ft (112 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 15,428
 • Density 2,707/sq mi (1,042/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
01510
Area code(s) 351/978
FIPS code 25-14395
GNIS feature ID 0618360
Website www.clintonma.gov

Clinton is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. About 15,428 people lived here in 2020. Clinton is known for its history as a mill town and for the large Wachusett Reservoir.

Discovering Clinton's Past

Central Park Foster Fountain
The Central Park Foster Fountain in Central Park.

Clinton was first settled in 1654. It was originally part of a nearby town called Lancaster. The land was given by a Native American leader named Sholan in 1643.

Becoming a Town

Clinton officially became its own town on March 14, 1850. It was named after the DeWitt Clinton Hotel in New York. This hotel was a favorite spot for the town's founders, Erastus Brigham Bigelow and his brother Horatio.

Clinton's Industrial Growth

Clinton grew into a busy mill town. Factories used the Nashua River for water power to run their machines. This helped the town's industries thrive.

Building the Wachusett Reservoir

In 1897, work began on the Wachusett Dam. This huge project created the Wachusett Reservoir, which was filled with water by 1908. Building the reservoir meant that parts of Clinton and nearby towns had to be moved.

The Wachusett Reservoir was very important for providing water to the Boston area. By 1911, it was one of the largest city reservoirs in the world.

Railroads and Manufacturing

Railroads came to Clinton to help its industries. They transported goods and people. By 1890, Clinton was famous for making carpets and woven wire products.

Home of Baseball History

Clinton claims to have the oldest baseball field that has been used continuously. This field is called Fuller Field and was created in 1878. Some people debate this, but Clinton believes its field has been in constant use.

Exploring Clinton's Geography

Clinton is a town with a total area of about 7.3 square miles (18.9 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, about 5.7 square miles (14.8 square kilometers). The rest, about 1.6 square miles (4.1 square kilometers), is water.

Rivers and Reservoirs

The Nashua River flows through Clinton. The large Wachusett Reservoir is located just south of the town center. These water features are important parts of Clinton's landscape.

Neighboring Towns

Clinton shares its borders with several other towns. To the north is Lancaster. To the northeast is Bolton. Berlin is to the east, and Boylston is to the south. To the west, you'll find Sterling.

People of Clinton

Historical population
Year Pop. ±%
1850 3,113 —    
1860 3,859 +24.0%
1870 5,429 +40.7%
1880 8,029 +47.9%
1890 10,424 +29.8%
1900 13,667 +31.1%
1910 13,075 −4.3%
1920 12,979 −0.7%
1930 12,817 −1.2%
1940 12,440 −2.9%
1950 12,287 −1.2%
1960 12,848 +4.6%
1970 13,383 +4.2%
1980 12,771 −4.6%
1990 13,222 +3.5%
2000 13,435 +1.6%
2010 13,606 +1.3%
2020 15,428 +13.4%
2022* 15,484 +0.4%
* = population estimate.
Source: United States Census records and Population Estimates Program data.

In 2000, there were 13,435 people living in Clinton. The town has a diverse population with many different backgrounds. Many families have lived in Clinton for a long time.

Community Life

The average household in Clinton had about 2.38 people. The average family had about 3.06 people. About 23% of the population was under 18 years old. The median age in Clinton was 37 years.

Arts, Culture, and Sports in Clinton

Clinton offers various places for fun and learning.

Public Library

The public library in Clinton first opened in 1873. It's a great place for residents to read, learn, and explore.

Places to Visit

  • Central Park: A nice green space in the town.
  • Clinton Business District: The main area for shops and businesses.
  • Fuller Field: The historic baseball field.
  • Museum of Russian Icons: A unique museum with a large collection of Russian icons.
  • South Meadow and Mossy Ponds: Natural areas for enjoying the outdoors.
  • Wachusett Reservoir Clinton Dam: A massive dam that is part of the reservoir system.

Sports in Town

Fuller Field is also home to the Clinton 76ers. This is a men's semi-professional baseball team. They play in the CNEBA league and won the championship in 2017.

Education in Clinton

Clinton has its own public school system.

Clinton Public Schools

  • Clinton Elementary School (Kindergarten to 4th grade)
  • Clinton Middle School (5th to 8th grade)
  • Clinton High School (9th to 12th grade)

Famous People from Clinton

Many notable people have connections to Clinton:

  • Mike Bonin: A city councilor in Los Angeles.
  • Clarence Brown: A famous film director.
  • Joseph E. Casey: A lawyer and former US Representative.
  • Tim Fortugno: A former Major League Baseball pitcher.
  • Sliding Billy Hamilton: A member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
  • Agnes Moorehead: A well-known actress.
  • Philip J. Philbin: A former US Congressman.
  • Jimmy Ryan: A Major League Baseball player.
  • Sydney Schanberg: A reporter who won a Pulitzer Prize.
  • David Walsh: A former US Senator and Massachusetts governor.
  • Scott Young: A former professional ice hockey player.

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See also

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