History
Clinton emerged during the gold rush in the 1860’s and served as
a roadhouse on the Cariboo Gold Rush Trail for weary gold seekers to stop
and rest. After the discovery of gold in the Cariboo Region, Royal Engineers
were commissioned to construct a road through the Fraser Canyon to the
Cariboo to join the already existing wagon road from Lillooet to 47 Mile.
The junction was 47 miles from Lillooet and thus 47 Mile was the name used.
In 1863, 47 Mile was officially renamed Clinton by Queen Victoria in honor
of Lord Henry Pelham Clinton, the Colonial Secretary of the day.
When the gold rush was over, ranching took over as the dominant industry
and helped fuel the growth of Clinton. Initially the railway served the
ranching industry but in the 1930’s and 1940’s, it served the
soda works operating on local lakes and limestone operations in the area.
During the 1950’s the forestry industry become the basis for the
economy. Throughout this period there were over twenty bush and saw mills
operating in Clinton and the surrounding area. Major consolidation in the
1970’s has left only one in operation today.
The population of Clinton has remained stable and has slowly increased
since the mid 1970’s. The community is a major retail and service
centre for the surrounding ranches and accommodation enterprises, as well
as a popular tourist stop for traffic along the Cariboo Highway.
Location
Clinton is located 40km (25mi) north of the Trans Canada Highway
1 and Cariboo Highway 97 junction, 33km (20 mi) northwest of Cache Creek,
119km (72mi) northwest of Kamloops and 231km (140mi) north of Hope. It
is the midway point between Vancouver and Prince George.
Places to See
- Clinton Museum
The Clinton Museum is an excellent way to learn more
about the town’s
rich history. The building that houses the museum dates
back to 1892 and was originally the village school. The
museum boasts a vast collection
of antiques, photos and historical photos that will take
the visitor back
to days past. In 1999 the museum acquired the original
1911
Government Stables building. This old structure houses
several vintage buggies,
wagons and machinery that visitors can experience.
- Reg Conn Centennial Park
Reg Conn Centennial Park is situated in the Village of Clinton
and is an especially good place for families to stop so the kids can
enjoy
the playground equipment. There are picnic tables and washrooms
available for visitors situated on 5 acres of lawn and trees.
- Chasm Provincial Park
Chasm Provincial Park is located between Clinton and 70 Mile House,
off Highway 97. At the end of the ice age, water from the
melting glaciers carried so much silt that it carved the 8-km long, 600-metre
wide,
and
300-metre deep bedrock box-canyon. Layers of volcanic lava
can be distinguished in the steep canyon walls. The rich ecosystem supports
plentiful
wildlife;
moose, black bear, aquatic mammals and water birds are all
frequently viewed. This is a great place to spend an afternoon sightseeing
and hiking.
- Lime Mountain
Situated in close proximity to Clinton
is Lime Mountain. The hang-gliding
conditions here are said to be amongst
the best
in North America. Hang-Glider clubs throughout
British Columbia meet regularly in
Clinton
to
take advantage
of these excellent conditions during
the spring and summer months.
- Limestone Quarry
Situated only 3 kilometers West of Clinton is the Limestone Quarry.
Fossils of ancient plant life are easily found
here and rock enthusiasts flock to this spot. This is a great
place to spend an
afternoon
hunting for prehistoric trinkets!
- Marble Range Mountains
The Marble Range Mountains are located northwest of Clinton.
This vast range presents a welcome challenge for mountain
climbing enthusiasts. The mountains feature caves, cliffs and disappearing
streams.
Many
of the trails are popular with hikers, hunters and horseback
riders.
Things to do
- Stroll down historic Main Street!
Stroll down Clinton’s Main Street and go back in time to the
days of the Wild West! Many of the original store fronts remain,
which help to convey the sense of western atmosphere and character
that Clinton
is famous for.
- Ranching and Horseback Riding
Clinton is known as the Guest Ranch capital of BC. The surrounding
area is home to eight guest ranches that visitors can discover.
Each of these ranches offers guests the opportunity to experience
working
on a ranch or engage in activities such as horseback riding.
Enjoy the wide-open rangelands and mountain meadows of the
Cariboo Cattle Country.
- Fishing
The many lakes surrounding Clinton offer fabulous fishing and
beautiful scenery. The numerous lakes are home to various species
of trout
including Kokanne, Rainbow and Eatern Brook.
- Wildlife Viewing
Clinton is home to an abundance of wildlife including, big
horn sheep, moose, mule deer, bears and cougars. For
wildlife enthusiasts Clinton is an excellent place to come and
view such magnificent
animals
in their natural
habitat.
Events
- Clinton Annual Ball
The Clinton Annual Ball is the longest annual event of its kind in
Canada! It has survived through
two world wars, the depression and diminished resources. The many volunteers,
who
have worked
on
and supported the Ball,
over the years, have helped to
preserve a delightful piece of early pioneer spirit. The Ball takes place in
May
every
year.
Call 1-250-459-2146
and
ask for Doris for more information!
- May Rodeo and Rodeo Dance
The Clinton District Agricultural Society puts on the Clinton
May Ball Rodeo and Dance
annually. The Society consists of twenty members, community residents
and local ranchers,
who
are committed
to
putting
on this event. The rodeo
is always held the weekend
after the May long weekend and features a steak dinner,
rodeo dancing and a pancake
breakfast.
Wow!
For more information
please call Monika 1-250-395-0151 or Katie
1-250-459-2172.
- Western Heritage Week
Western Heritage Week was established in 2005 to celebrate
the history of Clinton.
Western Heritage Week begins with the Saturday of the Victoria Day
weekend and the Annual
Ball and concludes with
the last
Sunday
of May,
the
final day of the Rodeo. Come on
down and
learn more about Clinton’s
wild
past!
Contact
Information
Village
of Clinton
P.O.
Box
309
1423
Cariboo
Highway
Clinton,
B.C.
V0K
1K0
Tel:
(250)
459-2261
/ Fax:
(250)
459-2227
Web:
www.village.clinton.bc.ca
E-mail:
admin@village.clinton.bc.ca
