Clover Lick

 

Clover Lick is a place of historical and geographical significance in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, with mentions across several of the sources. Here's a detailed overview of its key aspects:

Location and Setting

• Clover Lick is situated near the head of the Greenbrier Valley, on the Greenbrier division of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.
• It is located in the heart of the blue-grass regions of the State, near the highest peak in the Allegheny mountains, at an elevation of 2,500 feet above sea level.
• The area is known as being "in the heart of God's country".
• The original route from Clover Lick eastward avoided hollows and ravines, following high points to be more secure from ambushes and Indian attacks.

Geographical Features

• Mineral Springs: The area was named "Clover Lick" because early settlers found deer and buffalo licking the salt sulphur earth around mineral springs.
• Rich White Clover: The springs were surrounded by rich white clover.
• Types of Springs: Salt, chalybeate, and salt sulphur springs abound in the area.
• Cloverlick Creek: Cloverlick Creek has its source in two forks between Cay Knob and Cloverlick Mountain, flowing north before curving east around the north end of Cloverlick Mountain. It is considered one of the most important branches of the Greenbrier River.
• Glade Run: Glade Run is a tributary to Cloverlick Creek, joining it near its mouth. It is suggested that Glade Run may have previously been a tributary of the Greenbrier River.
• Old River Channel: The Greenbrier River formerly circled a knoll west of Clover Lick and later captured itself, cutting a channel where the town now stands. The old river channel is now partly occupied by Cloverlick Creek and Glade Run.
• Laurel Run: Laurel Run heads three miles east of Clover Lick and flows in a straight line to the town, cutting a deep pass between Thorny Creek and Thomas Mountains.

Historical Significance

• Early Settlement: The area's history dates back to the old Indian wars when the Warwicks of Virginia moved to the Greenbrier Valley. Jacob Warwick was an early settler and became a famous Indian fighter.
• Indian Activity: The first wagon to cross the Allegheny mountains was burned by Indians at Clover Lick. Numerous Indian artifacts such as pipes, pottery, arrows, battle-axes, and tomahawks are found in the area.
• Public Place: Clover Lick was known as a very public and widely known place where 40-50 people would be entertained overnight.
• Hospitality: Clover Lick has long been known for its hospitality.

Clover Lick as a Town

• Clover Lick is referred to as a town.
• A benchmark is noted at the town of Clover Lick at 2,289 feet.
• The town is located 10.3 miles northeast of Marlinton at the mouth of Cloverlick Creek.

Other Mentions

• Clover Lick Creek's Length and Fall: Cloverlick Creek has a total length of 9.8 miles, with a total fall of 1,580 feet.
• Railroad: Clover Lick is on the Greenbrier division of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.
• Benchmark Locations: Several benchmarks are noted in relation to Clover Lick, including distances and features such as drain pipes, rock ledges, and bronze tablets.
• Local Lick: There was a "clover lick" found by early pioneers on a branch Northwest of the town, which had clover growing profusely around it. This is what led to the name of Clover Lick.

In summary, Clover Lick is a place with a rich history, distinctive geographical features, and a strong sense of community hospitality. Its location near mineral springs and its historical connections to early settlement and Indian activity make it an important landmark in the region.