C&O Railway Heritage Center

04/15/2026

🐱Introducing the NEW Chessie Zip Hoodie—your next go-to layer for comfort and style.

Made with the premium BELLA + CANVAS Unisex Sponge Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie, this piece delivers the perfect mix of laid-back vibes and everyday versatility. Crafted from a soft 52% cotton / 48% polyester blend, it feels incredibly smooth and cozy from the moment you put it on.

Whether you’re heading out or kicking back, this hoodie has you covered in effortless comfort.

Fit tip: runs generously—order one size down for the perfect fit (for example, XL → Large).

Soft. Stylish. Easy to wear. The Chessie Zip Hoodie is ready for wherever your day takes you.
Once you put it on, you’ll understand—this isn’t just a hoodie… it’s your new favorite.

You can find this hoodie on our website, chessieshop.com
(item # CL-26-456) or at the Depot Gift Shop located at 705 Main St, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

https://chessieshop.com/product/cl-26-456-chessie-full-zip-hoodie/

03/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NoyfguQdd/

07/11/2025

The Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society is excited to partner with the The Alleghany Cruisers tomorrow for the 2nd Annual Chessie Car Show!

Whether you love the vintage machines that travel the road or the rails, or both, tomorrow you can join two wonderful organizations in Clifton Forge as we celebrate transportation history together. Proceeds from the event benefit our non-profit organization that preserves and shares the history of the C&O Railway.

https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/07/10/chessie-car-show-benefits-non-profit/



Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Clifton Forge Main Street

Check out stylish cars and enjoy historical displays.

04/07/2025

Sign up to stay in touch with the C&O Historical Society!

The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society is dedicated to interpreting the American Railway.

01/22/2025

Please Share!

VENDORS, EXHIBITORS, RAILWAY, HERITAGE, COMMUNITY, ENGAGEMENT
We invite all VENDORS and EXHIBITORS to be part of the 2025 George Washington Train Show, a celebration of RAILWAY HERITAGE and community engagement hosted by the C&O Historical Society (C&OHS). This is an incredible opportunity to showcase your products, connect with fellow railway enthusiasts, and contribute to the preservation of our rich railroad history. If you are interested in participating, please reach out for more information about vendor spaces and exhibitor opportunities. Our team is available to assist you Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can call us directly or email [email protected] to discuss how you can get involved. Your contribution is vital to the success of this event and to the ongoing mission of C&OHS.
Vendors will Set up at:
The Clifton Forge Armory 724 Commercial Ave Clifton Forge, VA 24422
Vendor set up will be on Friday, February 21st 12:00PM - 5:00PM or Saturday, February 22nd at 8:00AM Until 10:00AM
Vendor tables are 6ft and are $25.00 per Table
PLEASE NOTE: If the show has to be cancelled due to inclement weather – the make updates will be announced later.

12/07/2024

Today in Clifton Forge, there's double the opportunity to celebrate our history during this holiday season in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia!

At the same location, two events are taking place, the annual C&OHS Christmas at the Depot to benefit families in the community and the joint book sale between the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society and the Norfolk & Western Historical Society.

Now an annual tradition, the Grinch will visit Clifton Forge and take over the “Little C&O” ride-on train, a popular attraction at the C&O Railway Heritage Center. Guests will have the unique opportunity to ride these small rails through the museum with the Grinch himself during the event benefiting the Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother Program.

In addition, the two railroad historical societies from southwest Virginia will hold a book sale featuring titles that cover nearly every railroad in the United States. Utilizing the C&O Railway Heritage Center facilities in Clifton Forge, the Norfolk & Western Historical Society and the Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society will set up special inventory displays at the museum’s gift shop. Since the event will take place in the C&O Historical Society’s museum facilities, the organization’s regular catalog of inventory, including Chessie the Railroad Kitten merchandise, will also be available.




Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Clifton Forge Main Street

11/30/2024

Coming December 7, C&OHS Christmas at the Depot will be a day of family-friendly activities celebrating the holiday season and the heritage of railroading in our region!

Our non-profit organization has organized a holiday event at the C&O Railway Heritage Center to benefit the Alleghany Highlands Christmas Mother Program. On December 7 from 12 PM to 4 PM, "Christmas at the Depot" will celebrate the holiday as well as the heritage of railroading in the region. As we celebrate the end of a successful year, the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia community is invited to enjoy the festivities at our Clifton Forge museum that will benefit multiple local causes.

Providing a family-friendly day during the holiday season, our largest museum will feature activities for guests of all ages. The vintage rail car collection will be open for tours, as well as the on-site railroad structures that tell the country’s transportation story. The indoor Freight House museum, featuring a collection of artifacts and displays showcasing the C&O Railway’s history, will be open and will feature a visit from Santa Claus. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras for the opportunity to meet Santa before his Christmas rush.

C&O Historical Society staff will provide hot cocoa, cookies, and popcorn. In preparation for another special visitor, a special “Grinch” punch will also be served. Now an annual tradition, the Grinch will visit Clifton Forge and take over the “Little C&O” ride-on train, a popular attraction at the C&O Railway Heritage Center. Guests will have the unique opportunity to ride these small rails through the museum with the Grinch himself.

However, the most distinguished guest on December 7 will be Ms. Ingrid W. Barber, the 76th Christmas Mother for the Alleghany Highlands. Through the support of many local businesses and organizations, such as the C&O Historical Society, this year’s program will assist families in need during Christmas. Our Clifton Forge-based non-profit organization hopes to raise enough money during “Christmas at the Depot” to contribute $1,000 to help the Christmas Mother.

11/29/2024

CLIFTON FORGE, VA (LOOTPRESS) - The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society is spreading holiday cheer with its annual “Christmas at the Depot” event, sche

11/27/2024

CLIFTON FORGE, VA (LOOTPRESS) - Two railroad historical societies have come together for a joint book sale to share a significant inventory of published histori