Clifton Forge, Virginia

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Clifton Forge, Virginia: Historic Railroad Hub

Clifton Forge, Virginia, is a historic town in Alleghany County, situated in the Alleghany Mountains along the Jackson River in the Roanoke Region. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, its population is 3,555. The town sits at an elevation of 1,080 feet (330 meters) and is located at coordinates 37°49′11″N 79°49′25″W. Known for its scenic mountain vistas, clear streams, and historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Clifton Forge’s identity is deeply tied to its role as a railroad hub.

Early History

The area’s history traces to the 1700s, with Scotch-Irish settlers arriving in the mid-18th century. In 1770, Robert Gallaspy received a land grant from Virginia’s governor, Lord Botetourt. By the 1820s, the settlement, initially called Williamson, grew around iron manufacturing. The Clifton Forge ironworks, established in 1827 by John Jordan and John Irvine, used slave labor, local charcoal, and river transport, naming the area after the Clifton estate in Lexington, Virginia. The Midland Trail (now U.S. Route 60) connected it to broader networks by the 1830s, but significant growth awaited the railroads.

Railroad Development

Clifton Forge’s transformation into a railroad hub began with the Virginia Central Railroad (VC), which reached the area in 1857 as Jackson’s River Station, bringing the first passenger train. In 1868, the VCR merged into the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) under Collis P. Huntington. By 1873, the C&O completed its trunk line to the Ohio River, designating Clifton Forge a division point for two subdivisions: the Mountain Subdivision (east to Staunton/Charlottesville) and the Alleghany Subdivision (west to Hinton, West Virginia).

In 1881, the Richmond and Alleghany Railroad (R&A) arrived, following the James River for efficient coal transport. Merged into the C&O in 1889, it added the James River Subdivision (east to Richmond), making Clifton Forge a division point for three lines. The C&O centralized shops and yards there by 1890, earning it the nickname “Altoona of the South.” At its peak, nearly 2,000 locals worked for the railroad, fueling a boomtown era. The town incorporated in 1884 and became a city in 1906 (reverting to town status in 2001).

Legacy and Modern Day

The shift to diesel engines in the 1950s moved maintenance to West Virginia, reducing jobs and population. Today, CSX Transportation operates freight lines, and Amtrak’s Cardinal provides passenger service three days a week. The C&O Railway Heritage Center preserves this legacy, showcasing how railroads shaped Clifton Forge’s economy and community.

For More Information – Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the history and operation of the Appalachian Railroads. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Appalachian-Railroads.org. Much of the collective railroad history data points on this website are verified across multiple sources.

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Would enjoy hearing from you if you have questions, suggestions, edits, or content that you are willing to share. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have similar interests in the railroads or model railroading.

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Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org