Annisquam River facts for kids

Annisquam River and environs

The Annisquam River is a special kind of waterway in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It's a tidal, salt-water estuary, which means it's a place where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water, and its water level changes with the tides. This river connects Annisquam Harbor in the north to Gloucester Harbor in the south. Part of the river, between Gloucester Harbor and a train bridge, is also known as the Blynman Canal.

About the Annisquam River

This estuary is about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) long. It's navigable, meaning boats and ships can travel on it. It's open to the ocean at both ends, which is quite unusual! The total surface area of the river is about 1.9 square miles (4.9 square kilometers).

What's in a Name?

The name "Annisquam" comes from an old Algonquian word. It means "top of the rock." The first European settlers arrived in the Annisquam area in 1631.

River Improvements

In 1965, the United States Army Corps of Engineers worked on the river. They dredged it, which means they dug out the bottom to make it deeper. This created a channel about 8 feet (2.4 meters) deep. The channel is also quite wide, ranging from 60 to 200 feet (18 to 61 meters).

Annisquam Harbor Light

At the northern entrance to the river, on the Cape Ann side, stands the Annisquam Harbor Light. This lighthouse helps guide boats safely into and out of the Annisquam River.

Crossing the River

There are only three main ways to cross the Annisquam River:

• The Massachusetts Route 128 highway bridge.
• A bridge for the MBTA Newburyport/Rockport Line, which is a train route.
• The Western Avenue bridge, which is part of Massachusetts Route 127.

Tidal Currents

The Annisquam River has strong tidal currents. What's interesting is that the water flows in opposite directions at the two ends of the river. This is because it's connected to the ocean at both its north and south sides.