Overview

Clinton is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, in the United States. It is a suburban community within the Washington metropolitan area. At the 2010 census Clinton recorded a population of 35,970, reflecting its role as a residential area with a mix of single-family neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

Historical background

The settlement grew from a small 19th-century crossroads originally known as Surrattsville. That name is widely remembered because properties there — especially the Surratt boarding house — became linked to the conspiracy that followed President Abraham Lincoln's assassination. Today the community embraces this past through preserved sites and interpretation, while the town long ago adopted the name Clinton to move beyond the notoriety of that event.

Community and characteristics

Clinton functions primarily as a suburban residential area with local shopping centers, parks, and public schools operated by Prince George's County. Housing ranges from older postwar subdivisions to newer developments. The CDP is home to small businesses, community organizations, and recreational facilities that serve families and commuters who travel into Washington, D.C., and neighboring employment centers.

Notable sites and culture

Several local landmarks interpret the town's 19th-century origins and Civil War–era connections. Among them is the preserved home associated with the Surratt family, now presented for visitors and researchers interested in the Lincoln assassination and period life. Cultural life in Clinton includes community events, civic groups, and schools that anchor neighborhood identity.

Transportation and economy

Clinton's location within the greater Washington region means residents rely on a network of arterial roads and regional transit options for commuting. The community benefits economically from its proximity to federal facilities and suburban job centers, and from retail and service businesses that serve local needs. Local planning efforts focus on balancing residential quality of life with commercial development.

Distinctions and civic life

While unincorporated and governed at the county level, Clinton maintains a distinct local identity shaped by history, suburban growth, and community institutions. Visitors seeking historical context can explore interpretive exhibits about the town's role in events surrounding Lincoln's death and learn how local memory and preservation efforts have shaped its public spaces. For more information about demographics, services, and local history see county resources and historical guides with entries related to Clinton and the Lincoln assassination (civil war era resources).