Fort Clifton was a Confederate stronghold on the Appomattox River, serving as an important link in the line that defended Richmond and Petersburg in 1864 and 1865.

Located on a high bluff at the junction of the Appomattox River and Swift Creek, the fort controlled navigation on the river north of Petersburg and was a formidable defensive bastion that wasn’t taken by Union forces until the fall of Petersburg on April 3, 1865.

Each year The Fort Clifton Festival is held on Mother’s Day weekend.  The festival includes arts, crafts, music, educational exhibits, re-enactors and children’s rides.