While several theories exist about its origin, there is no definitive evidence to prove any of them.
Here's what we do know:
* It's a traditional folk song: This means it's been passed down through generations with variations in lyrics and melody. It's unlikely that we can pinpoint a single author or location.
* Earliest recorded versions: The earliest known published versions of the song date back to the 1840s and 1850s.
* Possible origins: Some theories suggest the song originated in the American West during the Gold Rush era, while others claim it came from the Mississippi River area.
Since there is no concrete evidence about its creation, it remains a mystery where and when "Clementine" was written.