Definition
Clifford is an unincorporated community located in Amherst County in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States.
Overview
Clifford lies in the central part of Virginia, situated along Virginia State Route 45 (also known as the Lynchburg‑South Boston Road). The community is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. As an unincorporated locale, Clifford does not have a municipal government and is administered directly by Amherst County. The area is predominantly rural, featuring a mix of residential dwellings, farms, and small local businesses. The closest incorporated towns are Madison (approximately 6 mi to the north) and Lynchburg (about 25 mi to the south).
Etymology/Origin
The precise origin of the name “Clifford” for this Virginia community is not definitively recorded in publicly available historical sources. It is plausible that the name derives from a local family surname or from the English place‑name “Clifford,” meaning “ford by a cliff.” Accurate information about the naming decision is not confirmed.
Characteristics
- Geographic coordinates: Approximately 37.595° N latitude, 79.165° W longitude.
- Elevation: Roughly 700 feet (213 m) above sea level.
- Postal services: Previously associated with ZIP code 24527 (the Madison post office); current mailing address conventions follow the nearest active post office.
- Area code: 434.
- Transportation: Accessible via State Route 45; the nearest interstate is I‑64, located several miles to the south.
- Education: Public school services are provided by Amherst County Public Schools, with students typically attending Madison Elementary School, Madison Middle School, and Madison High School.
- Economy: The local economy is largely agricultural, with numerous family farms producing timber, livestock, and row crops. Small‑scale retail and service establishments serve the surrounding rural population.
Related Topics
- Amherst County, Virginia
- Unincorporated communities in Virginia
- Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area
- Virginia State Route 45
- Rural development in the Commonwealth of Virginia
All information presented is based on available public records and reputable geographic sources. Where specific historical details are lacking, the entry notes the uncertainty rather than conjecture.