Clinton, the seat of Hickman county, is located near the center of the county on US 51 at KY 58. It was established in 1828 and became the county seat in 1829, replacing Columbus. Clinton was incorporated in 1831. The source of the name is obscure, but it may be named for a Captain Clinton. The Clinton post office opened in 1829. The population in 1990 was 1,547.
