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The City of Clifton is rich in history, especially the Civil War era. The river played a large part in the happenings between the North and
South. Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford ForrestFrom the fall of Fort Donelson to the war's end, Clifton experienced significant military activity. It was an important port on the Tennessee River and a primary ferry-crossing.
A native of Clifton, Thomas Sigismund Stribling made his presence known for the first time on March 4, 1881, but he really drew from his summers he spent with his maternal grandparents on their farm in Gravelly Springs, Alabama, to create the future characters of his novels about the political issues of his time. And his home was donated to the City for a museum in 1946. You may read of Mr. Stribling's literary accomplishments and his connection to Clifton by visiting the website for the University of North Alabama.
Read more: Stribling Museum, Home of T.S. Stribling, Pulitizer Prize Winner
A ferry service across the mighty river was first established in the area in 1818 and later moved to "downtown" Clifton where it continued operation until 1998. There has always been a special bond between the river and the town. Today, Main Street, lined with quaint shops and businesses, ends at a public observation area overlooking the river.