Clifton Forge, Virginia

Not to be confused with Clifton, Virginia.

Clifton Forge, Virginia
Town
Downtown Clifton Forge
Seal
Clifton Forge Show map of Shenandoah Valley Clifton Forge Show map of Virginia Clifton Forge Show map of the United States
Coordinates: 37°49′11″N79°49′25″W / 37.81972°N 79.82361°W / 37.81972; -79.82361
Country	United States
State	Virginia
County	Alleghany
Settlement	1700s
Williamson's Station	February 13, 1861
Incorporated (town)	October 19, 1884
Incorporated (independent city)	March 31, 1906
Incorporated (town)	January 21, 2001
Named for	The Clifton estate in Lexington
Government
• Mayor	Jeff Irvine
Area [1]
• Total	3.08 sq mi (7.98 km2)
• Land	3.02 sq mi (7.82 km2)
• Water	0.06 sq mi (0.15 km2)
Elevation	1,083 ft (330 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	3,555
• Density	1,200/sq mi (450/km2)
ZIP Code	24422
Area code(s)	540 and 826
FIPS code	51-17440 [2]
GNIS feature ID	1492780 [3]
Website	Official website

Masonic Amphitheater in Clifton Forge

Clifton Forge is a town in Alleghany County, Virginia, United States which is part of the greater Roanoke Region. ^[4] The population was 3,555 at the 2020 census. The Jackson River flows through the town, which as a result was once known as Jackson's River Station.

Clifton Forge was an independent city during the 2000 census. However, in 2001, Clifton Forge gave up its city status and reverted to a town. In previous decades, the railroad was a major employer. Clifton Forge is known for its mountain views and clear streams.

History

Clifton Forge Commercial Historic District, Clifton Forge Residential Historic District, Clifton Furnace, Jefferson School, and Longdale Furnace Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ^{[5] [6]}

Geography

Clifton Forge is located at 37°49′11″N79°49′24″W / 37.81972°N 79.82333°W / 37.81972; -79.82333 (37.819801, -79.823584). ^[7]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town had a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km²), all land.

Portions of the town were built upon a bridge, elevating the town above a stream.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Clifton Forge has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. ^[8]

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1890	1,792		—
1900	3,579		99.7%
1910	5,748		60.6%
1920	6,164		7.2%
1930	6,839		11.0%
1940	6,461		−5.5%
1950	5,795		−10.3%
1960	5,268		−9.1%
1970	5,501		4.4%
1980	5,046		−8.3%
1990	4,679		−7.3%
2000	4,289		−8.3%
2010	3,884		−9.4%
2020	3,555		−8.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [9]

2020 census

As of the census of 2020, there were 3,555 people residing in the town. There were 1,988 housing units. The racial makeup of the town was 82.0% White, 11.7% African American or Black, 0.2% American Indian, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 5.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

2010 census

As of the census ^[2] of 2010, there were 3,884 people, 1,701 households, and 982 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,252.9 people per square mile (483.7 people/km²). There were 2,004 housing units at an average density of 646.5 units per square mile (249.6 units/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 84.4% White, 11.8% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 1,701 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.8% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 37.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.85.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64, and 22.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,256, and the median income for a family was $53,547. Males had a median income of $38,500 versus $29,630 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,833. About 14.3% of families and 23.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.4% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Clifton Forge operates a Mayor–council form of government. Clifton Forge Town Council is composed of five council members who are elected at-large and serve overlapping four year terms. A Mayor and Vice Mayor are selected by the Council out of its membership.

Education

Clifton Forge is served by Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. Public school students residing in Clifton Forge are zoned to attend Mountain View Elementary School, Clifton Middle School (until 2023), and Alleghany High School.

Mountain Gateway Community College is located west of the town.

Infrastructure

Public safety

Law enforcement is provided by the Clifton Forge Police Department. Fire protection is provided by the Clifton Forge Fire Department which operates a fire station within the town. Emergency medical services are provided by the Clifton Forge Fire Department and Clifton Forge Rescue Squad.

Transportation

Air

Ingalls Field, located near Hot Springs, is the closest general aviation airport to the town. The Greenbrier Valley Airport and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport are the closest airports with commercial service.

Roads

Clifton Forge is serviced by three major highways, Interstate 64, U.S. Route 60, and U.S. Route 220.

Rail

Amtrak, the national passenger rail service, provides service to the Clifton Forge station with the Cardinal route. Clifton Forge also serves a major locomotive fuel facility for CSX Transportation and is home to the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society and C&O Railway Heritage Center.

In popular culture

• Mama (2013 horror film) Although the film was produced in Canada, it is set in Clifton Forge.
• The 1985 video for "Driver 8" by R.E.M. was partly filmed in and around the C&O (Chessie System) yards.
• Dopesick (miniseries), based on the book by Beth Macy, was filmed in several different areas of Clifton Forge.

Notable people

Natives

People born in Clifton Forge:

• Gary Ray Bowles (1962–2019) – serial killer
• Dana Brunetti (born 1973) – media executive
• Bray Cary (born 1948) – politician
• Lisa Disbrow (born 1962) – US Air Force secretary
• Oscar L. Heltzen (1882–1968) – lawyer
• Richard L. Hoffman (1927-2012) – zoologist ^[10]
• Johnny Humphries (1915–1965) – baseball pitcher ^[11]
• Trudi Lacey, basketball player and coach ^[12]
• Nancy Massie Meadows (1912–1986) – governor
• Nathan Moore (born 1970) – musician known as "Percy Byrd"
• William Overstreet Jr. (1921–2013) – WW2 pilot
• Ira De Augustine Reid (1901–1968) – sociologist ^{[13] [14]}
• Denny Riddleberger (born 1945) – baseballer
• Bryan Stinespring (born 1963) – football coach
• James T. Turner (born 1938) – senior judge
• Roger Arliner Young (1899–1964) – scientist

Politics

United States presidential election results for Clifton Forge, Virginia ^[15]

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2000	613	40.01%	868	56.66%	51	3.33%
1996	486	29.62%	974	59.35%	181	11.03%
1992	632	33.74%	958	51.15%	283	15.11%
1988	759	43.65%	961	55.26%	19	1.09%
1984	965	51.44%	896	47.76%	15	0.80%
1980	716	39.23%	1,012	55.45%	97	5.32%
1976	770	40.68%	993	52.46%	130	6.87%
1972	1,127	63.17%	575	32.23%	82	4.60%
1968	925	43.59%	734	34.59%	463	21.82%
1964	850	40.44%	1,252	59.56%	0	0.00%
1960	885	53.22%	771	46.36%	7	0.42%
1956	1,125	61.48%	633	34.59%	72	3.93%
1952	936	53.46%	811	46.32%	4	0.23%
1948	451	32.10%	818	58.22%	136	9.68%
1944	415	27.63%	1,082	72.04%	5	0.33%
1940	353	22.88%	1,179	76.41%	11	0.71%
1936	343	22.13%	1,199	77.35%	8	0.52%
1932	328	25.81%	917	72.15%	26	2.05%
1928	781	56.92%	591	43.08%	0	0.00%
1924	225	23.22%	447	46.13%	297	30.65%
1920	274	26.52%	727	70.38%	32	3.10%
1916	104	16.99%	455	74.35%	53	8.66%
1912	63	13.91%	293	64.68%	97	21.41%
1908	133	24.27%	402	73.36%	13	2.37%

See also

• Former counties, cities, and towns of Virginia

References

1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
2. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
3. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Clifton Forge, Virginia
4. Roanoke Region of Virginia
5. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
6. "National Register of Historic Places Listings". Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 8/13/12 through 8/17/12. National Park Service. August 24, 2012. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
7. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
8. Climate Summary for Clifton Forge, Virginia
9. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
10. "Richard L. Hoffman (1927–2012) – Obituary" (PDF). zobodat.at. 2012. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved February 15, 2023.
11. "Johnny Humphries Stats".
12. "NC State Athletic Hall of Fame: Trudi Lacey".
13. Gates, Henry Louis Jr.; Higginbotham, Evelyn Brooks (2004). African American Lives . New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN   9780195160246.
14. "Ira De Augustine Reid papers". New York Public Library. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
15. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".

External links

• Town of Clifton Forge
• Travel & Tourism

37°49′11″N79°49′25″W / 37.819801°N 79.823584°W / 37.819801; -79.823584