Clanton, Alabama

Clanton is a city in Chilton County, Alabama, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 8,619. The city is the county seat of Chilton County.

History
The town was founded by Alfred Baker in 1868, when Chilton County was formed. Clanton was named in honor of General James H. Clanton, a brigadier in the Confederate States Army. It was incorporated on April 23, 1873. Baker was also elected first mayor of the town.

Early Civil Rights activist Ida B. Wells made a photographic postcard showing an 1891 lynching in Clanton. This was to educate the white public of the atrocities committed against blacks.

During World War II, a small German Prisoner of War camp was located in Clanton.

Geography
Clanton is located at 32°50'23.316" North, 86°37'41.477" West (32.839810, -86.628188).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.4 sqmi. 20.3 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.15%) is water.

Government
Clanton is governed by the mayor-council system. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. The city council has five members elected from one of five wards.

Economy
Over 80% of Alabama's peach crop comes from Chilton County.

Education
The Chilton County School System provides public education for Clanton. Students in Clanton may attend any public school in Chilton County.

High Schools

 * Chilton County High School (Grades 9 through 12)
 * LeCroy Technical Center (Grades 10 through 12)

Middle School
Clanton Middle School (Grades 6 through 8)

Elementary Schools

 * Clanton Intermediate School (Grades 3 through 5)
 * Clanton Elementary School (Grades K through 2)

Newspaper

 * The Clanton Advertiser (daily)

Culture and recreation
Clanton has hosted the annual Chilton County Peach Festival since 1952.

Notable residents

 * Randall Atcheson, Concert Pianist
 * Clay Carroll, Major League baseball player
 * Jackie Hayes, major league baseball player
 * Jackson W. Moore, former CEO of Union Planters Bank and Regions Financial Corporation
 * Jarrod Patterson, major league baseball player
 * Drew Roy, actor
 * Grayson Russell, Child actor