The Renick House as depicted in photographs taken in 1974

through a program of the National Parks Service.

 (Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division,

Historic American Buildings Survey)

 

A vivid illustration in Greenbrier County’s architectural history still stands on US Rt. 219, one mile south of Renick, WV.  The “Renick House,” with its one-room deep central hall plan dates back to 1795.  William Renick, Greenbrier pioneer and early settler who amassed great wealth as a farmer and landowner, purchased “Cave Farm” from Robert McClanahan about 1790 and built the limestone house on the property.

 

About 1820 a Flemish bond brick addition was built for William Renick, II, against the wall of the original house with a corner staircase continuing up to the attic.   The inside was crowded with boldly proportioned woodwork and marbleized mantels, and according to author, Ruth Woods Dayton, the style reflects the hand of local carpenter, Conrod Burgess.

 

Calvin B. Renick, a noted Civil War figure, was born here May 20, 1836.  Subsequently, “Renick House” became the “social center of the Greenbrier Valley during the Civil War.”