Clanton, originally named Goose Pond, was founded in 1867 by Alfred Baker Sr. and later renamed in honor of Confederate hero General James Holt Clanton. Near the geographical center of Alabama, halfway between Birmingham and Montgomery, the city covers approximately 18 square miles and lies between Interstate 65 and U. S. Highway 31. The area's thriving peach industry is honored by a 500,000 gallon peach water tower, 120 feet tall, at exit 212 on I65, and by an annual downtown celebration held the last week in June as a tribute to peach producers and their economic and civic contributions to the community.