Clinton, Ontario, is a charming community nestled in the municipality of Central Huron in the Canadian province of Ontario. Established in 1831, Clinton has grown from a small settlement to a thriving community with a population of over 3,000 residents. Known as Canada's home of radar, Clinton boasts a rich history and a vibrant culture that continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
Clinton, Ontario, was established in 1831 when Jonas Gibbings and the Vanderburg brothers, Peter and Stephen, cleared a small area to start a settlement. The community was named after Sir Henry Clinton, a distinguished figure during the Peninsular War.
The growth of Clinton began in 1844 when William Rattenbury laid out plans for a village. Soon, people started buying land from Rattenbury and the Gibbings. Clinton was also home to the influential 19th-century ethnologist and anthropologist Horatio Hale, who named several streets in the town center.
In 1858, the Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway set up a stop in Clinton, further boosting the town's growth. By 1869, the population had reached 1,500, and in 1875, Clinton was incorporated as a town.
Clinton, Ontario, has had its share of challenges, including fires in 1879 and 1907 that destroyed significant parts of the town. However, the resilient community rebuilt and continued to thrive.
In 1959, the Clinton community was rocked by the murder of 12-year-old Lynne Harper. A local youth, Stephen Truscott, was falsely convicted of the crime. After a 48-year struggle, Truscott was acquitted by the Ontario Court of Appeal in 2007, marking a significant moment in Clinton's history.
In 1978, a protest by church members led to the banning of certain books from high-school reading lists. This event prompted the formation of a Freedom of Expression Committee and the establishment of a Freedom to Read week across Ontario libraries.
Clinton, Ontario, is conveniently located at the junction of Highway 4 (Victoria Street), Highway 8 (Huron Street and Ontario Street), and County Road 4 (Albert Street), making it easily accessible for visitors and residents alike.
