History

Much of Northern Virginia was devastated following the Civil War.  However, families began to move to this desirable area, due to its location and proximity to D.C. and Alexandria, and by 1870, a number of small towns were popping up.  The area could still be characterized as primarily rural, and many of the families living there were farmers.  

Harrison Otis arrived in Northern Virginia from New York and purchased 1000 acres of land from the Beckwith Family in February of 1868.  Clifton Virginia was officially established on February 9, 1869.  In 1877 Otis established the Clifton Hotel, making Clifton a popular place for families to retreat to on the weekend.