Iron Gate, Virginia
Iron Gate, Virginia | |
|---|---|
 ACSXfreight train passes through Iron Gate in 2007. | |
| Nickname: IG | |
| Motto: Gateway to the Alleghany Highlands | |
 Location of Iron Gate, Virginia | |
| Coordinates:37°47′55″N79°47′28″W/ 37.79861°N 79.79111°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Alleghany |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| •Mayor | Gary A. Craig |
| •Vice Mayor | Richard Erskine |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.35 sq mi (0.90 km2) |
| • Land | 0.33 sq mi (0.86 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,037 ft (316 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • Total | 324 |
| • Density | 930/sq mi (360/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5(Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4(EDT) |
| ZIP Code | 24448 |
| Area code(s) | 540 and 826 |
| FIPS code | 51-40024[1] |
| GNISfeature ID | 1493127[2] |
Iron Gateis a town in easternAlleghany County,Virginia,United States. The population was 324 at the2020 census.The town is located alongU.S. Route 220,nearClifton Forge.
History[edit]
The Town of Iron Gate was incorporated in 1889. The town's founding was a direct result of the Iron Age. During the 1880s, iron mines began opening in Alleghany County and the Alleghany Iron and Ore Company opened its blast furnace in the northern end of Iron Gate. The proximity to the railroad made the site of Iron Gate an optimal location. Many men were employed by the company until 1919 when operations ceased.[3]
Geography[edit]
Iron Gate is located at37°47′55″N79°47′28″W/ 37.79861°N 79.79111°W(37.798484, -79.791219).[4]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau,the town has a total area of 0.3 square miles (0.9 km2), all of it land. Iron Gate is also where the head waters of the James River arise.
Climate[edit]
The climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. According to theKöppen Climate Classificationsystem, Iron Gate has amarine west coast climate,abbreviated "Cfb" on climate maps.[5]
Demographics[edit]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1890 | 199 | — | |
| 1900 | 392 | 97.0% | |
| 1910 | 600 | 53.1% | |
| 1920 | 699 | 16.5% | |
| 1930 | 777 | 11.2% | |
| 1940 | 719 | −7.5% | |
| 1950 | 725 | 0.8% | |
| 1960 | 716 | −1.2% | |
| 1970 | 692 | −3.4% | |
| 1980 | 620 | −10.4% | |
| 1990 | 417 | −32.7% | |
| 2000 | 404 | −3.1% | |
| 2010 | 388 | −4.0% | |
| 2020 | 324 | −16.5% | |
| Source: U.S. Census Bureau | |||
2020 census[edit]
As of thecensusof 2020, there were 324 people residing in the town. There were 170 housing units. The racial makeup of the town was 87.3%White,5.2%African American or Black,0.3%American Indian,0.3%Asian,0.0%Pacific Islander,0.0% fromother races,and 6.8% fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latinoof any race were 1.5% of the population.
2010 census[edit]
As of the census of 2010, there were 388 people residing in the town. There were 183 housing units. The racial makeup of the town was 94.8% White, 3.9% Black or African American, 0.0% Native American, 0.0% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 0.0% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. 1.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
2000 census[edit]
At the2000 censusthere were 404 people, 185 households, and 121 families living in the town. The population density was 1,170.6 people per square mile (445.7/km2). There were 197 housing units at an average density of 570.8 per square mile (217.3/km2). Theracial makeupof the town was 94.55% White, 5.20% African American, and 0.25% from two or more races.[1] Of the 185 households 17.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.9% of households were one person and 17.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.73.
The age distribution was 16.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 23.8% 65 or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.
The median household income was $26,094 and the median family income was $34,464. Males had a median income of $27,222 versus $17,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,703. About 7.4% of families and 9.9% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 13.7% of those age 65 or over.
Economy[edit]
Iron Gate is predominately abedroom communityof Clifton Forge andCovington.Garten Trucking operates a large trucking terminal and warehouse in the town.
Recreation[edit]
TheVirginia Department of Wildlife Resourcesmaintains a public access point to the James River south of the town limits. The Iron Gate public access point is one of twelve that make up the Upper James River Water Trail, abluewayalong the James River.
Government[edit]
Iron Gate operates aMayor–councilform of government. Iron Gate Town Council is composed of a mayor and six council members who are elected at-large.
Education[edit]
Iron Gate is served byAlleghany County Public Schools.Public school students residing in Iron Gate are zoned to attend Sharon Elementary School, Clifton Middle School (until 2023), andAlleghany High School.
Mountain Gateway Community Collegein nearby Clifton Forge is the closest higher education institution to the town.
Infrastructure[edit]
Public safety[edit]
Law enforcement is provided by the Alleghany County Sheriff's Office. Fire protection is provided by the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire Department which operates a fire station within the town.Emergency medical servicesare provided by the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire Department and Clifton Forge Rescue Squad.
Transportation[edit]
Air[edit]
Ingalls Field, located nearHot Springsis the closestgeneral aviationairport to the town. TheGreenbrier Valley AirportandRoanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airportare the closest airports with commercial service.
Roads[edit]
U.S. Route 220(Market Avenue)
Rail[edit]
TheCSXoperatedJames River Subdivisionruns through the town. The closest passenger rail service is located inClifton Forge.
References[edit]
- ^ab"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
- ^U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Iron Gate, Virginia
- ^"The History of the Town of Iron Gate".Town of Iron Gate.RetrievedNovember 2,2022.
- ^"US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990".United States Census Bureau.February 12, 2011.RetrievedApril 23,2011.
- ^Climate Summary for Iron Gate, Virginia
Municipalities and communities ofAlleghany County, Virginia,United States | ||
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