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

Robert Gallaspy Land Grant

May 12, 1770 and June 22, 1772

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2022

1. Robert Gallaspy Land Grant DAR Plaque

Inscription. The land upon which Clifton Forge is established, was granted to Robert Gallaspy, from George III, King of England, through Baron DeBotetourt, Governor of the Colony of Virginia.

Erected 1932 by the Anne Bailey Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution on October 17, in recognition of this grant.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1770.

Location. 37° 48.95′ N, 79° 49.415′ W. Marker is in Clifton Forge, Virginia, in Alleghany County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Business U.S. 60) and Jefferson Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Main Street. It is at the Clifton Forge Town Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 547 Main St, Clifton Forge VA 24422, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Roger Arliner Young (a few steps from this marker); Masonic Theatre (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); C&O Railroad Shops (approx. 0.8 miles away); Douthat State Park (approx. 1.8 miles away); Jackson River Depot

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(approx. 2.2 miles away); Oakland Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (approx. 2.2 miles away); Oakland Grove Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.2 miles away); Oakland Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clifton Forge.

More about this marker. Many descendants of Robert Gallaspy now spell their surname name Gillespie or Gillispie.

Also see . . . Town of Clifton Forge, Virginia - History. Excerpt:

Although the Town was chartered in 1906, its history dates back to the 1700s. The land the Town now occupies was originally part of a 1770 land grant to a Robert Gallaspy by Lord Botetourt, the then Governor of Virginia. The ownership of the land changed several times, and the Williamson and Smith families became the owners in the 1820s. A settlement developed along both sides of the Jackson River from Slaughter Pen Hollow to Smith Creek. The iron industry in Alleghany County and the completion of the road over North Mountain (now U.S. Route 60) in 1826 began the growth of the settlement. Mr. William Lyle Alexander of Lexington owned a forge in the Rainbow Gorge
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 23, 2022

2. Robert Gallaspy Land Grant Marker
The main entrance to the town hall just is out of frame to the right. This photograph shows the Police Department entrance to the building.
near Iron Gate, and he named the forge “Clifton” in honor of his father’s estate in Lexington; thus, we have the name “Clifton Forge”.

(Submitted on October 12, 2022.)

Additional keywords. Robert Gillespie Sr.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.