“Brigadoon of Virginia” they call it. That’s what they call Clifton. A charming town nestled in Fairfax County. It’s a place where history whispers on the breeze. It’s a place where time seems to slow its relentless pace.
Clifton started life as Devereux Station. A simple railroad siding during the Civil War. Union soldiers guarded it fiercely. They protected the vital supply line. The O&A railroad ran right through here. It carried timber for the Union army. Escaped slaves worked tirelessly. They risked capture for their freedom. They hauled timber to Alexandria.
After the war ended a new chapter began. Harrison Otis a visionary saw potential. He purchased Devereux Station. He renamed it Clifton Station. He built a hotel. Clifton quickly became a getaway for Washington’s elite. Wealthy residents sought refuge from city life. They sought the peace of this little town.
Imagine the bustling hotel. The Clifton Hotel. It stood beside the railroad tracks. Convenient for travelers. It offered respite to weary souls. It was a place of comfort and ease. Later it became the Hermitage Restaurant. It still stands today.
The town grew. Businesses sprang up. Homes were built. Many of these are over 120 years old. They bear witness to generations. They have seen countless stories unfold within their walls.
Clifton thrived for a time. It even boasted the county’s first high school. Students arrived by train. The Buckley store thrived. It sold everything. From a pin to a plow. It became a central part of community life. The store later became the Heart and Hand restaurant.
Helen Hayes a legendary actress loved Clifton. She spent many summers here. Jeff Arch found inspiration here. He wrote the screenplay for Sleepless in Seattle. He wrote it in a house on Main Street. The town is still attracting visitors today. Clifton Day attracts thousands. It’s a celebration of this special place.
Clifton is more than just a town. It’s a living history book. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. It’s a place where you can almost touch the echoes of time. It’s a place to remember. A place to treasure. A place called Clifton.