Certain cultures around the world regard a simple clover in a variety of positive ways. Some believe the leaves on a clover symbolize faith, hope, and love–and that a fourth leaf on a clover brings luck for the finder. Others believe the clover brings protection against negative energy (like that found in hexes or the charm of a snake). And so when we take a look at our very own small town in South Carolina that happens to be named Clover we wonder where and how this charming little locale got its name.
If you encountered the town's motto, "The town with LOVE in the middle," then you may think this catchy moniker makes perfect sense. That's because it does make sense. So, maybe the town was named for LOVE?
Ask anyone from Clover if there's a lot of love in the town and you're likely to get an earful of just how wonderful this northern York County town of approximately 6,000 people is.
Chartered in 1887, Clover (whose name origin we'll get to in a moment) was first just a pit stop on a rail line between present day York, South Carolina, and Gastonia, North Carolina.
The tracks were laid and the line officially started running through the area in 1876. And literally, the steam engines that ran on the track would stop here just to replenish their water supply from the 5,000-gallon water tank at the pit stop. But by 1887, homes and businesses had begun to spring up and the town incorporated as Clover. But why "Clover?"
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All we have is a local legend as to why the town picked Clover as the name. And that legend is clear about the origin:
That water tower placed by the tracks, the one the steam engines relied upon, the only reason the train began stopping here in the first place... grew a beautiful and robust patch of clover all around the base. It was so well known that conductors on the train started calling the stop "Clover Patch." And so "Clover" was a natural for the town's name.
Visitors to Clover will find a perfectly Southern little town with all the charm of a much smaller locale.
The streets are wide to accommodate the major thoroughfare that rolls right down Main Street, but the charm of the architecture, the murals, the tree-lined streets, and the friendly faces is undeniably irresistible.
The annual Scottish games festival, Clover Highland Games, takes place each November. This one-day festival is reason enough to check out Clover this fall. But there are many other sights to see and things to check out while you're in town.
Clover Community Center, 120 Bethel St, Clover, SC 29710, USA
The list of Clover's dining options is exceptionally long for such a small town. Over on Main Street alone, there are several choices, including The Clover Station.
Clover Station, 105 N Main St, Clover, SC 29710, USA
After just one visit to this small town in South Carolina you’re likely to see exactly why the town’s motto is “The town with LOVE in the middle.” Clover is indeed filled with love, and you’ll send yours right back at ’em. Learn more about Clover, including more places to stay, restaurants to check out, local shops to peruse, and things to do, from the Greater Clover Chamber of Commerce or the Visit York County website.
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