The Clifford-New Glasgow Historic District centers on the oldest existing settlement in Amherst County. With buildings dating from circa 1772, the district is important for its early role as a regional commercial center. It developed at the crossroads of the stage road between Charlottesville and Lynchburg and an east-west road running between the James River and crossing over the Blue Ridge Mountains to Lexington. The village had several taverns, retail stores, and the services of a saddler (see the Saddlery pictured above), a blacksmith, and a tobacco weigh station. It also prospered during the first half of the 20th century as a motorists’ stop along U.S. Route 29 (the old stage road) with several gas stations, convenience stores, and an auto repair garage. In the mid-20th century after the Route 29 bypass was constructed, many of the village’s businesses moved or closed. The Clifford-New Glasgow Historic District’s period of significance extends from circa 1772 to 1961, during the time when Clifford served as a commercial center for stagecoaches, then automobiles. Its buildings reflect much of that heritage, highlighted by the late 18th century Winton.