Introduction to Alleghany County, Virginia
Alleghany County is located in the western part of Virginia, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, bordering West Virginia to the north and west. Established in 1822, the county is named after the Allegheny Mountains that stretch through the region. Historically, Alleghany County has been a hub for the timber, coal, and railroad industries, which played a key role in its development. The county’s natural beauty, marked by mountains, rivers, and forests, attracts visitors and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Alleghany County experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. The county has a population of approximately 15,000 people, with its economy centered on small industries, forestry, and tourism. The area is well-known for its outdoor recreational opportunities and historical sites.
- County Seat: Covington
- Number of Cities and Towns: 1 city and several smaller towns
- Major School Districts: Alleghany County Public Schools
Covington
City Overview
Covington is the county seat and only incorporated city in Alleghany County. Located along the Jackson River, Covington is the economic and administrative hub of the county. The city was founded in 1818 and grew quickly during the 19th century due to its strategic location along the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Today, Covington continues to play a central role in the local economy, with the WestRock paper mill being one of the largest employers in the region. The city also serves as a gateway to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Covington experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Major landmarks include the Humpback Bridge, one of the few remaining covered bridges in Virginia, and the Jackson River Scenic Trail, which offers hiking and biking opportunities along the river.
City Facts
- Population: 5,737 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 1,500 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 24426
- Road Network: Interstate 64, U.S. Route 220, U.S. Route 60
- Nearest Airports: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, Greenbrier Valley Airport (WV)
- Libraries: Covington Public Library
- Hospitals: LewisGale Hospital Alleghany
Major Schools
Covington is part of Alleghany County Public Schools. Covington High School (grades 9-12) enrolls around 250 students and offers a variety of academic and vocational programs. The school provides Advanced Placement (AP) courses, athletics, and extracurricular activities such as drama, music, and student organizations. Jeter-Watson Intermediate School serves grades 4-7, while Edgemont Primary School provides education for students in grades Pre-K through 3. The small class sizes and personalized attention in Covington schools are highly valued by the community.
Clifton Forge
City Overview
Clifton Forge is a small town located just east of Covington in Alleghany County. The town was historically an important railroad center for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, which fueled its growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though rail traffic has diminished, Clifton Forge has transitioned into a charming cultural hub, known for its arts scene and historical preservation. The town’s downtown area is filled with historic buildings, local shops, and galleries, offering a glimpse into its rich history.
Clifton Forge experiences similar weather patterns to the rest of Alleghany County, with cold winters and hot summers. Notable landmarks include the Masonic Theatre, a restored historic theater that hosts performances and events, and the C&O Railway Heritage Center, which celebrates the town’s railroad history.
City Facts
- Population: 3,555 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 2,000 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 24422
- Road Network: Interstate 64, U.S. Route 60
- Nearest Airports: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, Greenbrier Valley Airport (WV)
- Libraries: Clifton Forge Public Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Covington (LewisGale Hospital Alleghany)
Major Schools
Clifton Forge is served by the Alleghany County Public Schools. Students typically attend Alleghany High School (grades 9-12), which has an enrollment of around 500 students and offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports, music, and career and technical education. Clifton Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, providing a strong academic foundation before high school. Younger students attend Mountain View Elementary School (grades K-5). The schools in Clifton Forge are known for their community involvement and commitment to student success.
Iron Gate
City Overview
Iron Gate is a small town located on the southern edge of Alleghany County, near the confluence of the Jackson River and the James River. Established in the late 19th century as a mining and railroad town, Iron Gate is one of the smallest municipalities in the county. The town’s history is deeply tied to its location along the railroad, and it remains a quiet, close-knit community today, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Iron Gate experiences cold winters and warm summers, typical of the region’s climate. Major landmarks include the nearby Douthat State Park, one of Virginia’s oldest state parks, which offers hiking, fishing, and camping, as well as the Iron Gate Train Depot, a reminder of the town’s past as a railroad hub.
City Facts
- Population: 321 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 500 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 24448
- Road Network: U.S. Route 220, State Route 42
- Nearest Airports: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, Greenbrier Valley Airport (WV)
- Libraries: Nearest library in Clifton Forge
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Covington (LewisGale Hospital Alleghany)
Major Schools
Iron Gate students attend schools in the Alleghany County Public School District. Students typically go to Alleghany High School (grades 9-12) and Clifton Middle School (grades 6-8), both located in nearby towns. The high school offers a range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and extracurricular activities like sports and music. Younger students attend Mountain View Elementary School, providing a strong start in their education. The school district emphasizes community engagement and academic achievement.
Selma
City Overview
Selma is a small, unincorporated community located just north of Clifton Forge. Though it is unincorporated, Selma is often considered part of the greater Clifton Forge area. Historically, Selma was a hub for timber and coal transport, but as industries shifted, the town became more residential in nature. Selma’s location in the scenic Alleghany Highlands makes it a peaceful place to live, surrounded by forests and rivers that offer abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Selma experiences cold winters and warm summers, typical of the Appalachian region. The town’s proximity to Clifton Forge and Douthat State Park provides access to amenities and outdoor activities, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 500 (2020 Census estimate)
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Codes: 24474
- Road Network: U.S. Route 60, State Route 42
- Nearest Airports: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, Greenbrier Valley Airport (WV)
- Libraries: Nearest library in Clifton Forge
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Covington (LewisGale Hospital Alleghany)
Major Schools
Selma students are part of the Alleghany County Public Schools system, attending Alleghany High School (grades 9-12) in Covington and Clifton Middle School for grades 6-8. The district offers a well-rounded curriculum with opportunities for Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and various extracurricular programs. Elementary-aged children attend Mountain View Elementary School, which provides education for grades K-5. The district is dedicated to fostering academic achievement and personal growth for all students.
Low Moor
City Overview
Low Moor is a small, unincorporated community located between Covington and Clifton Forge in Alleghany County. Low Moor grew as a result of the expansion of the railroad and the nearby paper mill industry. Today, it serves as a residential area with a mix of industrial and commercial activity. The town is home to LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, the county’s primary healthcare facility, making it a critical location for medical services in the region.
Low Moor experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The community benefits from its central location in the county, offering easy access to both Covington and Clifton Forge, as well as to outdoor recreational areas like the George Washington National Forest.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 250 (2020 Census estimate)
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Codes: 24457
- Road Network: Interstate 64, U.S. Route 60
- Nearest Airports: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, Greenbrier Valley Airport (WV)
- Libraries: Nearest library in Covington
- Hospitals: LewisGale Hospital Alleghany
Major Schools
Low Moor students attend schools in the Alleghany County Public School District. Students in grades 9-12 attend Alleghany High School, where they are provided with opportunities to excel in both academic and extracurricular programs. Clifton Middle School serves students in grades 6-8, while Mountain View Elementary School serves grades K-5. The district is known for its small class sizes and close-knit educational community, helping students achieve academic and personal success.