The Town has a rich railroad heritage with the first passenger train arriving in Clifton Forge in 1857. Clifton Forge grew up with the railroad industry and it became a major maintenance facility for steam locomotives of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad (C & O Railroad). The Town was a virtual boomtown during the heyday of the railroad with the C & O employing nearly 2,000 people. With the advent of
the diesel engine, in the early 1950s the C & O Railroad located its maintenance diesel shops in West Virginia and many of the jobs were transferred to the new facility. Because of its rich railroad heritage, Clifton Forge is the home of the Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society, Inc. The Town and its neighbors, the City of Covington and Alleghany County, comprise the Alleghany Highlands – Virginia’s western gateway. The region, named for the beautiful Alleghany Mountains, is a lush mountain playground nestled at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley. Recreational and educational opportunities abound. Nearby are Douthat State Park, Lake Moomaw, and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, which offer camping, hiking, canoeing, boating, and fishing. Nearby colleges are Dabney Lancaster Community College, Washington & Lee University, Southern Virginia College, Roanoke College, and VMI. The Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center is located in downtown Clifton Forge and offers art exhibits and locally crafted items of the highest quality. A short drive North is The Homestead, a five-star, world renowned resort offering golf, tennis, snow skiing, ice skating, fly fishing, sporting clays, and horse back riding. Also within comfortable reach is the award-winning and historical Greenbrier Resort. Visit Clifton Forge VA. Stay at one of our lovely Inn's, Make plans to look in on the Newly Renovate Historic Masonic Theatre, browse the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center or one of the galleries downtown, enjoy quaint shops, antiques, and eateries. Take time out at the renown Jack Mason's Tavern.
