Seven Historical Facts About Clifton

vintage
Two locomotives pulling into the Union Mills Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in Clifton, Virginia. Two soldiers stand guard on the bank at right.1862
Clifton in Fairfax County has been successful in maintaining the feel and charm of a Norman Rockwell painting. The town has been around since the 1700's—initially as a plantation and earlier as Indian hunting grounds. Given below are some historical facts about Clifton.
  1. Before the arrival of European settlers, the present-day Clifton area was part of the hunting grounds used by Algonquin-speaking members of the Dogue tribe.
  2. The railroad started Clifton on its way to the town we know. The Civil War played an important part in the journey also.
  3. During the war, Clifton was known as Devereux Station.
  4. In 1868 Devereux Station became known as Clifton Station.
  5. In 1869 a Post Office was established and the town started growing with stores, schools and a community feeling.
  6. On March 10, 1902, Clifton Station was established as a town by Charter from the General Assembly.
  7. The small town of about 200, affectionately referred to as the “Brigadoon” of Virginia, has been favored by US Presidents (Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and Theodore Roosevelt.), First Ladies (Nancy Reagan), Supreme Court justices, Congressmen, Senators, and other notable Washington celebrities.
Recently Sold at Clifton
Fairfax County, , ,

Maryam

View posts by Maryam
Maryam N. is a Senior Writer at Nesbitt Realty. She is an expert on Fairfax County. Maryam has also worked previously as a geologist. She is a foodie and enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants.