300 People and History in Clifton, VA

A tiny town with a dynamic past, and a strict preservation regime

Clifton, Virginia is very small. It’s a 19th century rail town, which the Virginia Railway Express commuter train passes through—but doesn’t stop at. Population? Between 170 and 290 since the late 1800s. Size? “One-quarter of a square mile.”

VRE crosses Main Street

I’m not aware of Clifton because I’ve ever driven through it. Tucked away south of Centrevi…