The structure now used as Clinton Middle School was built in 1927 as the new Clinton High School after Anderson County Schools took over operation of Clinton High School from Clinton City Schools in the mid 1920's. In 1956, Judge Robert Taylor ordered that Clinton High School be desegregated with all "deliberate speed." On October 5, 1958, three dynamite blasts rocked Clinton High, destroying most of the building. After rebuilding, the site remained home to Clinton High School until 1969.