[2] Its name is in honor of the seventh Governor of New York State, DeWitt Clinton.

It was named for DeWitt Clinton,[3] a Governor of New York and most ardent advocate for the construction of the Erie Canal.

In 1835, Elijah Buell built a log cabin for himself and his family and was thus the first settler of the region.

In 1858, the Lyons Female College for girls opened its doors; the tuition was set at US$175 per student.

[5] Clinton county was first settled in 1836, by Mr. Bourne, who located upon Sec.

In 1841, R. R. Bed ford and others formed a little settlement at De Witt, and during the same year Messrs. Wheeler and Evans erected a log court-house.

In stepping from the past to the present, we quote the language of one of the "oldest inhabitants."

He says: "Clinton County was originally settled by the poorest class of people on God's earth; and it is with great pleasure that I have witnessed their progress, slow but sure, and now find the most of them very comfortably situated."

27.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Despite this, at the local level Clinton County voters are more divided, supporting Democrat Mike Zimmer over Republican Katie Whittington in the 2025 state senate election.