Clifton Forge in Alleghany County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

C&O Railroad Shops

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 4, 2017

1. C&O Railroad Shops Marker

Inscription. When the first train arrived in Jackson's River Station July 10th, 1857, the western terminus of the Virginia Central consisted of little more than a refueling station for wood-burning steam engines and a station house for employees and passengers. However, by the middle of the 1940's, the rail yard beyond provided work for nearly 2,000 employees. It is estimated that as many as 1,400 workers per day utilized these stairs and elevator to enter and exit the rail yard. Shift changes even necessitated the use of a traffic light to ensure safety. Alas, the 1950's saw the shift towards diesel locomotives and with it the shifting of CSX repair shop away from the town. The tunnels and elevator were finally closed in 1987 after many decades of faithful service, marking the end of an era. The years saw the town and the railroad grow together, and today Clifton Forge takes great pride in its founding role in the nation’s rail system.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is July 10, 1857.

Location. 37° 48.687′ N, 79° 50.26′ W. Marker is in Clifton Forge, Virginia, in Alleghany County. It is at the intersection of West Ridgeway Street (Business U.S. 60) and 5th Street, on the right when traveling east on West Ridgeway Street

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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Clifton Forge VA 24422, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Mountain Region,

in the Alleghany Highlands,

and specifically in the Potomac Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chesapeake and Ohio Lines (approx. 0.6 miles away); Masonic Theatre (approx. ¾ mile away); World War I Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away); World War Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); All Wars Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Fire Department World War Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named World War I Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clifton Forge.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 4, 2017

2. C&O Railroad Shops Marker

C&O Railroad Shops Stairs image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 4, 2017

3. C&O Railroad Shops Stairs

C&O Railroad Shops Elevator image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, September 4, 2017

4. C&O Railroad Shops Elevator

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2017. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 864 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 5, 2017, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.