Travel Guide Clinton

Originally a railroad crossing four miles south of Arapaho known as Washita Junction, Clinton was founded at a subdivision sale in 1903. The land where Clinton is located was owned by four Cheyenne who had received 160-acre parcels prior to the opening of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Reservation in 1892. Because it was not legal for Native Americans to sell their land, special permission was obtained from the U.S. Congress. Fearing competition from a new town, the residents of Arapaho, the county seat, sued to stop the development of Clinton. The territorial jurist who ruled in favor of the townsite corporation was named Clinton Irwin. As a result, the town's name was changed from Washita Junction to Clinton in honor of Judge Irwin. The post office was established on May 22, 1903. Today, Clinton is worth a stop for its Route 66 Museum, one of the finest on the route. Elvis fans can also visit, on the opposite side of the road from the museum, the Trade Winds, a 1963 motel where the King stayed several times. Also worth seeing: the Clinton National Guard Armory (1935-37 - 1298 Opal Ave), the Crawford House or Mission House (300 S 7th St), associated with Isabel Crawford (1865-1961), one of the first women missionaries of the Kiowa Indians in Oklahoma, and, at the south exit of Clinton (Neptune Dr & Waltron Rd) the Y Service Station and Café (1937).