Iron Gate, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Iron Gate, Virginia
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A CSX freight train passes through Iron Gate in 2007.
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| Nickname(s):
IG
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| Motto(s):
Gateway to the Alleghany Highlands
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Location of Iron Gate, Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Alleghany |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| 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)
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| • Total | 324 |
| • Density | 926/sq mi (360.0/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
24448
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| Area code(s) | 540 and 826 |
| FIPS code | 51-40024 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1493127 |
Iron Gate is a town in eastern Alleghany County, Virginia, United States. The population was 324 at the 2020 census. The town is located along U.S. Route 220, near Clifton Forge.
Contents
History
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.
Geography
Iron Gate is located at 37°47′55″N 79°47′28″W / 37.79861°N 79.79111°W (37.798484, -79.791219).
According to the United 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
The climate in this area has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Iron Gate has a marine west coast climate, abbreviated "Cfb" on climate maps.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 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
As of the census of 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% from other races, and 6.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.
2010 census
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.
Economy
Iron Gate is predominately a bedroom community of Clifton Forge and Covington. Garten Trucking operates a large trucking terminal and warehouse in the town.
Recreation
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources maintains 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, a blueway along the James River.
Education
Iron Gate is served by Alleghany County Public Schools. Public school students residing in Iron Gate are zoned to attend Sharon Elementary School, Clifton Middle School (until 2023), and Alleghany High School.
Mountain Gateway Community College in nearby Clifton Forge is the closest higher education institution to the town.
Infrastructure
Public safety
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 services are provided by the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire Department and Clifton Forge Rescue Squad.
Transportation
Air
Ingalls Field, located near Hot Springs is the closest general aviation airport to the town. The Greenbrier Valley Airport and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport are the closest airports with commercial service.
Roads
U.S. Route 220 (Market Avenue)
Rail
The CSX operated James River Subdivision runs through the town. The closest passenger rail service is located in Clifton Forge.
See also
In Spanish: Iron Gate (Virginia) para niños
