Clifton, VA

A small civil-war era town in Fairfax County, originally known as Devereux Station in the 1800's. Many battles during the Civil War were fought near this town, such as in Bull Run. The town grew in both size and wealth dramatically in the late 1800's and early 1900's, due to increased tourism, and it's reputation as a Progressive Era town, housing the Ivakota Farm reform school. The town fell into disrepair during the Great Depression, and by the 1960's, had become nearly abandoned. As growth from Burke and Fairfax encroached on the region in the 1970s, laws were established permitting a minimum of 5 acres per home, prohibiting suburban growth in the town. The post-modern movement sought to preserve Northern Virginia's history, leading to revitalized interest in the town. As more and more wealthy residents moved in, home prices in the immediate area began to rise dramatically, and gentrification began in and around the town. In fact, through the 1970's, Clifton became known as a vacation spot for those escaping the stress of D.C., which can be seen in some of the era's homes, which resemble ski lodges. Throughout the 1980's and 1990's, the area surrounding the town became heavily built up, creating a whole new family atmosphere in the town, leading to the creation of events such as Clifton Day, The Clifton Homes Tour, the New Years Eve sleigh ride, The Clifton Car Show, and the Haunted Trail. In the 2000's, the town continued it's rise to become a popular tourist destination for those looking to take a step back to a Victorian-Era town with a history intertwined with the beginnings of Fairfax County. Clifton from it's inception to today is an great example of reinvigorated interest in our Nation's history, and the quintessential story of the small town.