[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 85 (Monday, June 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1135-E1136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF CLIFTON, VIRGINIA, JULY 
                               4TH, 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 24, 2002

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to honor the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the 
Town of Clifton, Virginia.
  Clifton, located in southwest Fairfax County, Virginia, is a premier 
residential area, boasting approximately 6.7 square miles of pristine 
land. Still, the arrangement of the town welcomes close-knit, friendly-
centered interaction. The cohesive community of Clifton rallies to 
celebrate festivals, such as the ever-popular ``Clifton Days,'' held 
annually in October. Today, the town of Clifton celebrates another 
annual tradition, the anniversary of their town charter.
  During the 1700's, Clifton was home to various Native American 
groups, who used the area as their hunting grounds. Resulting from the 
Civil War, and with the laying of Virginia railroads, Clifton began 
evolving into an industrious town. In 1869, the first post office was 
established and the town became increasingly attractive for businesses. 
Thirty years later, on March 10, 1902, the Virginia General Assembly 
recognized the contribution of the Clifton Station community by 
bestowing the area with a town charter.
  The incorporation of the town of Clifton led to many notable 
undertakings. In 1871, Clifton welcomed Fairfax County's first black 
Baptist Church, and is home to a host of other Fairfax ``firsts'' as 
well. For example, in 1905 Clifton became the county's first 
municipality with electricity, and home to its first high school in 
1909. The town of Clifton prides itself on having been home to several 
famous residents, such as Susan Riviere Hetzel, an original founder of 
the Daughters of the American Revolution; and Oscar Woody, the Postal 
Clerk of the White Star cruise-liner Titanic.
  Seeing its greatest growth between 1890 and 1920, Clifton has 
maintained its renowned late 19th-century architecture, even as Clifton 
Station was removed in 1958. In 1984, Clifton was declared a National 
Historic District by the U.S. Department of Interior. The town's 
Victorian homes and historic town park complement the spirit of its 
residents. In few other towns is the historic, collective charm of the 
area as prevalent as it is in Clifton. Thus, Clifton is often 
recognized as a ``hidden treasure''. I am proud the town of Clifton is 
located in Virginia's 11th district, as Clifton represents the finest 
our area and our nation have to offer.

[[Page E1136]]

  Mr. Speaker, in closing, with all the historical grandeur Clifton 
boasts, we have great reason to celebrate today. Accordingly, I extend 
my warmest congratulations on its 100th Anniversary. Clifton most 
certainly has distinguished itself through its historical and social 
presence, and I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding 100 
years of excellence.

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