Editing Clifton Forge, Virginia

{{distinguish|Clifton, Virginia}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Clifton Forge, Virginia
|settlement_type          = [[Town]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    = 
<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline            = Downtown Clifton Forge, Virginia, January 2008.jpg
|imagesize                = 250px
|image_caption            = Downtown Clifton Forge
|image_flag               = 
|image_seal               = Seal of Clifton Forge, Virginia.png

<!-- Maps -->
|pushpin_map = Shenandoah Valley#USA Virginia#USA
|pushpin_label = Clifton Forge

<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = [[United States]]
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Virginia]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Virginia|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Alleghany County, Virginia|Alleghany]]

<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = Mayor
|leader_name              = Jeff Irvine 
|leader_title1            = 
|leader_name1             =

<!-- established -->
| established_title       = Settlement
| established_date        = 1700s
| established_title1      = Williamson's Station
| established_date1       = February 13, 1861
| established_title2      = Incorporated (town)
| established_date2       = October 19, 1884
| established_title3      = Incorporated ([[independent city (United States)|independent city]])
| established_date3       = March 31, 1906
| established_title4      = Incorporated (town)
| established_date4       = January 21, 2001
| founder                 = 
| named_for               = The Clifton estate in [[Lexington, Virginia|Lexington]]

<!-- Area -->
|unit_pref  = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_51.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_sq_mi         = 3.08
|area_land_sq_mi          = 3.02
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.06

<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_footnotes     = 
|population_total         = 3555
|population_density_sq_mi = auto

<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = 
|utc_offset               = 
|timezone_DST             = 
|utc_offset_DST           = 
|elevation_footnotes      = 
|elevation_m              = 330
|elevation_ft             = 1083
|coordinates              = {{coord|37|49|11|N|79|49|25|W|region:US-VA|display=inline}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
|postal_code              = 24422
|area_code                = [[Area codes 540 and 826|540 and 826]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 51-17440<ref name="GR8">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=May 14, 2011 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 1492780<ref>{{gnis|1492780}}</ref>
|website                  = [http://www.cliftonforgeva.gov/ Official website]
|footnotes                = 
|pop_est_as_of            = 
|pop_est_footnotes        = 
|population_est           = 
|area_total_km2           = 7.98
|area_land_km2            = 7.82
|area_water_km2           = 0.15
|population_density_km2   = auto
}}
[[File:Clifton Forge - Masonic Amphitheatre.jpg|thumb|Masonic Amphitheater in Clifton Forge]]

'''Clifton Forge''' is a town in [[Alleghany County, Virginia|Alleghany County]], [[Virginia]], United States which is part of the greater [[Roanoke Region of Virginia|Roanoke Region]].<ref>[http://www.roanoke.org Roanoke Region of Virginia]</ref>  The population was 3,555 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. The [[Jackson River (United States)|Jackson River]] flows through the town, which as a result was once known as Jackson's River Station.

Clifton Forge was an [[independent city (United States)|independent city]] during the [[2000 United States census|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 (Clifton Forge, Virginia)|Jefferson School]], and [[Longdale Furnace Historic District]] are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2010a}}</ref><ref name="nps">{{cite web|url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/listings/20120824.htm|title=National Register of Historic Places Listings|date=August 24, 2012|work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 8/13/12 through 8/17/12|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=May 26, 2013|archive-date=August 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811083542/http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/listings/20120824.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Geography==
Clifton Forge is located at {{coord|37|49|11|N|79|49|24|W|type:city}} (37.819801, -79.823584).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town had a total area of {{convert|3.1|sqmi|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.<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=108144&cityname=Clifton+Forge%2C+Virginia%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Clifton Forge, Virginia]</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1890= 1792
|1900= 3579
|1910= 5748
|1920= 6164
|1930= 6839
|1940= 6461
|1950= 5795
|1960= 5268
|1970= 5501
|1980= 5046
|1990= 4679
|2000= 4289
|2010= 3884
|2020= 3555
|estyear=
|estimate=
|estref=
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

===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% [[Non-Hispanic whites|White]], 11.7% [[African Americans|African American or Black]], 0.2% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]], 0.4% [[Asian Americans|Asian]], 0.1% [[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]], 0.6% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|other races]], and 5.0% from [[Multiracial Americans|two or more races]]. [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] of any race were 1.9% of the population.

===2010 census===
As of the census<ref name="GR8" /> of 2010, there were 3,884 people, 1,701 households, and 982 families residing in the town. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1,252.9|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 2,004 housing units at an average density of {{convert|646.5|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. 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 [[Marriage|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 government|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 County Public Schools|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 (Virginia)|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, Virginia|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 (Virginia)|Interstate 64]], [[U.S. Route 60 in Virginia|U.S. Route 60]], and [[U.S. Route 220 in Virginia|U.S. Route 220]].

===Rail===
[[Amtrak]], the national passenger rail service, provides service to the [[Clifton Forge (Amtrak station)|Clifton Forge station]] with the [[Cardinal (train)|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 film)|''Mama'']] (2013 horror film) Although the film was produced in [[Canada]], it is set in Clifton Forge. 
*The 1985 [[music video|video]] for "[[Driver 8]]" by [[R.E.M]]. was partly filmed in and around the C&O (Chessie System) yards.
*[[Dopesick (miniseries)|''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<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012 |title=Richard L. Hoffman (1927–2012) – Obituary |url=https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/ANNA_114B_0005-0008.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007103020/https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/ANNA_114B_0005-0008.pdf |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=zobodat.at}}</ref>
*[[Johnny Humphries]] (1915–1965) – baseball pitcher<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/humphjo02.shtml | title=Johnny Humphries Stats }}</ref>
*[[Trudi Lacey]], basketball player and coach<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gopack.com/news/2018/9/5/womens-basketball-2018-nc-state-athletic-hall-of-fame-trudi-lacey.aspx|title = NC State Athletic Hall of Fame: Trudi Lacey}}</ref>
*[[Nancy Massie Meadows]] (1912–1986) – governor
*[[Nathan Moore (American musician)|Nathan Moore]] (born 1970) – musician known as "Percy Byrd"
*[[William Overstreet Jr.]] (1921–2013) – WW2 pilot
*[[Ira De Augustine Reid]] (1901–1968) – sociologist<ref name="ref3">{{cite book|last1=Gates|first1=Henry Louis Jr. |last2=Higginbotham|first2=Evelyn Brooks|title=African American Lives|location=New York|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2004|isbn=9780195160246|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/africanamericanl00gate}}</ref><ref name="ref1">{{cite web|url=http://archives.nypl.org/scm/20632|title=Ira De Augustine Reid papers|publisher=New York Public Library|accessdate=September 9, 2016}}</ref>
*[[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==
{{PresHead|place=Clifton Forge, Virginia|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title = Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections}}</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|613|868|51|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|486|974|181|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|632|958|283|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|759|961|19|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|965|896|15|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|716|1,012|97|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|770|993|130|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|1,127|575|82|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|925|734|463|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|850|1,252|0|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|885|771|7|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|1,125|633|72|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|936|811|4|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|451|818|136|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|415|1,082|5|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|353|1,179|11|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|343|1,199|8|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|328|917|26|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|781|591|0|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|225|447|297|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|274|727|32|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|104|455|53|Virginia}}
{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|63|293|97|Virginia}}
{{PresFoot|1908|Democratic|133|402|13|Virginia}}

== See also ==
*[[Former counties, cities, and towns of Virginia]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.cliftonforgeva.gov/ Town of Clifton Forge]
*[http://www.visitalleghanyhighlands.com/ Travel & Tourism]

{{Coord|display=title|37.819801|-79.823584}}
{{Virginia towns}}
{{Alleghany County, Virginia}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Towns in Virginia]]
[[Category:Towns in Alleghany County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Populated places on the James River (Virginia)]]
[[Category:Railway towns in Virginia]]