In August 1956, Clinton High School was integrated under the US. Supreme Court order, Bown vs. Board of Education and 12 brave black students walked down from Foley Hill to attend classes in the all-white school. Suffering threats and harassment every day and under police escort to go home after school, the students passed between two maple trees on the steps up into the school.
Over 600 National Guard troops were mobilized to restore order in the small town. Ultimately the school was bombed and closed for a period of time to rebuild. Only two of the original 12 black students stayed long enough to graduate. Due to their tremendous courage, strength, and perseverance against overwhelming prejudice, racism, bigotry, and violence the students became known nationwide as the Clinton 12 and the high school became one of the first schools in the south to integrate.
Only one of the maples has survived and the students at the now Clinton Middle School have begun raising funds to have an arborist care for the tree.
Historic Tree, 2023. Nominated by Riley Sain.
