Clifton Forge, Virginia

thumb|Masonic Amphitheater in Clifton Forge

Clifton Forge is a town in Alleghany County, Virginia, United States which is part of the greater Roanoke Region. 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.

Geography

Clifton Forge is located at (37.819801, -79.823584).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town had a total area of , 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.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Clifton Forge had a population of 3,555. The median age was 49.2 years. 18.5% of residents were under the age of 18 and 26.8% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 86.8 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 82.0 males age 18 and over.

99.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 1.0% lived in rural areas.

There were 1,617 households in Clifton Forge, of which 22.9% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 34.3% were married-couple households, 19.6% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 38.8% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 40.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 21.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. 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.

thumb|Amtrak's Cardinal P051 going through Lower Clifton Yard.

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
Johnny Humphries (1915–1965) – baseball pitcher
Trudi Lacey, basketball player and coach
Nancy Massie Meadows (1912–1986) – first lady of West Virginia
Nathan Moore (born 1970) – musician known as "Percy Byrd"
William Overstreet Jr. (1921–2013) – WW2 pilot
Ira De Augustine Reid (1901–1968) – sociologist
Denny Riddleberger (born 1945) – baseball player
Bryan Stinespring (born 1963) – football coach
James T. Turner (born 1938) – senior judge
Roger Arliner Young (1899–1964) – scientist