Things to Do – HISTO RIC SITES
The quality of life we enjoy every day in the Alleghany Highlands would not be possible without the vision and hard work of those who came before us. We treasure the gifts they left for us – like historic homes and our beloved Humpback Bridge. We also strive to preserve our past, especially our extensive railroad heritage. Not only does the Alleghany Highlands have a working railyard and an Amtrak passenger station, it’s also home to the C&O Railway Heritage Center where you can get a hands-on experience with an old-fashioned signal tower, restored rail cars and more. 701 Engine: Located at the Main Street Park on the West end of Main Street in Covington. · www.covington.va.us · Restored Chesapeake and Ohio steam locomotive 701, known affectionately as the Merry Widow. The 701 was built in May of 1911 by the American Locomotive Company for the Hocking Valley Railway in Ohio. It was acquired by the Chesapeake and Ohio in 1930 when the Hocking Valley was merged into the C&O.
Civil War Trail Markers: Four official markers indicating the Civil War historic significance of each site. Averell’s Salem Raid, Exit 16, Visitors Center at Mallow Mall (pick up a Civil War Marker brochure here); Lucy Selina Furnace and Australia Furnace, Exit 35, ½ mile west on Route 60 on right; and Jackson River Depot, Exit 24, turn right onto Selma-Low Moor Rd./Route 696, 1 mile on right at Oakland Church.
Alleghany Highlands Genealogical Society: 515 E. Pine Street, Covington · 540-962-1501 · Active in preserving the genealogical records of Alleghany County and the surrounding areas in Virginia and West Virginia. Library and archives at the above location and access to birth, marriage and death records and hundreds of old photos. Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. or call or e-mail Inna Henderson at 540-962-1501 or InnaMcAlli@aol.com or ahgs.cov.va@gmail.com to set up an appointment.
Falling Spring Falls*: From Exit 16, I-64, follow signs to stay on Rt. 220 North; falls are approximately 7 miles from the City of Covington and located directly on Rt. 220, on the left (between Covington and Hot Springs) A peaceful, scenic wayside. Thomas Jefferson described it as a “remarkable cascade...falling over a rock about 200 feet to the valley below.” One of the largest falls in Virginia, it cascades from an overhanging ledge, and is easily visible from the roadway.
C&O Depot* and Alleghany Historical Society*: 149 S. Maple Ave., Covington · 540-965-0149 · www.alleghanyhistorical.com Refurbished 1908 depot and 1890 freight depot and headquarters to the Alleghany Historical Society; also serves as a museum. Contains items about the history of the railroad and surrounding area, along with changing exhibits. Hours: Tuesday-Friday, Noon-4:00 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 2:00-4:00 p.m. Admission: Free C&O Historical Society*: 312 E. Ridgeway St., Clifton Forge 540-862-2210 · www.cohs.org · Engineering drawings circa 1870s-1960s; mechanical drawings circa 1920s-1980s; general reference files, books & periodicals; photo images circa 1870-present with approx. 150,000 official photos taken by C&O, Chessie System & CSXT; Corporate Minute Books & Records of 136 companies predecessor to C&O. Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. C&O Railway Heritage Center*: 705 Main Street, Clifton Forge 540-862-8653 · www.candoheritage.org · Nestled in scenic mountains at milepost 277 on C&O Railway Heritage Trail, offering a multi-dimensional railroad heritage experience that tells the story of the C&O Railway from its beginning in 1836 to today’s CSX. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., March through December. Closed January and February. Admission: Adults $8; children under 12 $5; COHS members & children 2 & under, Free
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visitalleghanyhighlands.com
540-962-2178
888-430-5786
Historic Masonic Theatre*: 510 Main Street, Clifton Forge historicmasonictheatre.com · A three-story, Beaux Arts brick building with pilastered facade, a cove ceiling lobby and original performance hall with stage and balcony, the historic theatre has been transformed into a performing arts, entertainment, education, and community facility. Once known as The Mason Hall and Opera House, the building was constructed in 1905. Steeped in local history, the Historic Masonic Theatre remained the oldest continuously operating theatre in the Commonwealth of Virginia until closing its doors temporarily in 1987. The Historic Masonic Theatre has been restored to its former glory. Visit their website for a current listing of events. Industrial Heritage & Technology Discovery Center: Coming soon – The Discovery Center builds on the materials-oriented industries that have had prominence in the region for the past 200 years. Highlights include a timeline wall, interactive displays, hands-on activities, people and local culture of the time and much more.
* member of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce
