Historic Sites

Spend some time exploring our rich history, and you’ll understand what we mean when we talk about things that are Uniquely Alleghany. The history of the Alleghany Highlands is incredibly varied. The role of the African-American community has been vital to our county and lives on through museums, historic churches and parks, like Green Pastures. The impact of the railroad industry can be seen at various places around the highlands, including the C&O Railway Heritage Center in downtown Clifton Forge.

701 Engine: Located at the Main Street Park on the West end of Main Street in Covington. · 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.

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.

C&O Depot* and Alleghany Historical Society*: 149 S. Maple Ave., Covington · 540-965-0149 · alleghanyhistorical.org · 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 · 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 · candoheritage.org · Nestled in scenic mountains at milepost 277 on C&O Railway Heritage Trail, offering a multidimensional railroad heritage experience that tells the story of the C&O Railway from its beginning in 1836 to today’s CSX. Hours: WednesdaySaturday: 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

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 The Highland Centre (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.

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.

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.

Humpback Bridge*: virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/HumpbackBridge · Rt. 60 W of Covington; Exit 10, I-64, then 1 mile east on Rt. 60; or from east, Exit 16, I-64, follow signs to stay on Rt. 60W, approx. 6 miles · The only covered bridge of its type of construction now standing in the U.S. The bridge was built in 1857 and is a 100 foot long single span structure, 4 feet higher in the center than at either end, thus the name “Humpback.” There is a fiveacre wayside park at the site, complete with restroom facilities and picnic tables. The site is also used as a wedding venue and for Easter Sunrise Services (weddings must be coordinated with VDOT) Admission: Free

Industrial Heritage & Technology Discovery Center: 227 North Maple Ave., Covington · 540-962-8007 · discoverycenterva.org · 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.

Oakland Church and Cemetery: Low Moor-Selma Road, Selma Va. (Old Rt. 60) OR From Exit 21, I-64 W, left off ramp, stay on Selma-Low Moor Rd., cemetery on left (approx. 2 mi.); Exit 21, I-64 E, right off ramp, stay on Selma-Low Moor Rd., cemetery on left (approx. 2 mi.) Caution: Narrow Underpass off Exit 21 OR From Exit 24, I-64 W, turn left off ramp then right onto Selma Low Moor Rd., cemetery will be on right; Exit 24, I-64E, turn right off ramp, then right onto Selma Low Moor Rd., cemetery on right · Built in 1847 of bricks burned in nearby ovens and brought to the site in saddlebags, the church has the original pews of 12” solid chestnut. The balcony was the area where slaves of neighboring landowners worshiped, and doors on either side admitted men and women separately. The church served as a hospital during the Civil War. The cemetery antedates the church and contains the burial spots of 12 Confederate soldiers. Admission: No admission. (Church is not open to the public, but interior is visible from outside)

Wrightsville Heritage Museum: 702 Wrightstown Rd., Covington (Exit 16, I-64) 540-962-6787 · Historical artifacts, some of them dating back to slavery. Paintings, furniture, machinery, newspaper articles, clothing, books and many more artifacts dating back to the mid to late 1800s along with more modern, contemporary works. Hours: Wednesday & Friday: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., or by appointment Admission: Free

Downtowns Of The Alleghany Highlands

There are many reasons why a visit to the Alleghany Highlands is a relaxing getaway – outdoor fun, scenic mountain views, and, of course, the charm of small town life. The Alleghany Highlands has not one – but two – great downtowns to enjoy. The Town of Clifton Forge and the City of Covington are classic mountain towns that feature locally-owned shops and restaurants, as well as historic sites. Less than 20 miles apart and connected by the Jackson River, each community has its own unique personality. During your visit to the Alleghany Highlands, we hope you’ll take the time to explore both charming towns.