Alleghany County by Samuel Hale, II and Dr. Paul Linkenhoker
An Arcadia Publishing local photo history with 128 pages containing about two photos per page. Historical data is conveyed in the extended captions, there being no formal text other than an introduction. All aspects of Clifton Forge and Covington are covered: Early history, community development, industry and railroads, recreation, fire/rescue, and schools. With our laser focus on the C&O we tend to forget that such important C&O points as Clifton Forge and Covington were very much like any other areas of small-town America in their daily life and business beyond the railway's underlying influence. This book gives an interesting glimpse at this region and its two main towns. -
Tom Dixon, C&OHS Chief Historian.
Alleghany County was formed in 1822 from parts of Botetourt, Bath, and Monroe Counties. The area was settled in 1746, and by the early part of the 19th century, a number of settlements and large farms were operating locally. Covington, Clifton Forge, Iron Gate, Longdale, Selma, Low Moor, and other small communities developed, and the natural resources in the area led to the establishment of several industrial operations. The railroad came to Selma in 1857, and after the Civil War, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad was completed to Huntington, West Virginia. The abundance of timber, rich deposits of iron ore, and accessibility to rails, rivers, and streams contributed to industrial growth. Brickyards, lumber mills, tanneries, iron smelters, and agricultural operations attracted other businesses and industries, bringing rapid growth to the area. In Covington, the West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company built a mill in 1899. Ever since, the company has served as the county’s economic mainstay. Softcover, 128 pages.
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing and The History Press
ARCADIA PUBLISHING
