Appomattox River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Appomattox River |
|
|---|---|
The Appomattox River at Matoaca, Virginia
|
|
Map of the James River watershed with the Appomattox River watershed highlighted light yellow; the Appomattox River is shown in dark blue
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| Cities | Petersburg, Tri-cities |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 820 ft (250 m) 37°24′1″N 78°49′14″W / 37.40028°N 78.82056°W |
| River mouth | James River 0 ft (0 m) 37°19′15″N 77°16′32″W / 37.32083°N 77.27556°W |
| Length | 157 mi (253 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,344 sq mi (3,480 km2) |
The Appomattox River is a long river in Virginia, United States. It flows for about 157 miles (253 km). This river is a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. The Appomattox River joins the James River.
The river got its name from the Appomattocs, a Native American tribe. They lived along the lower parts of the river in the 1600s. Early English settlers tried to call it the "Bristoll River," but the original Native American name stuck. You might see its name spelled in different ways in old writings, like Apamatuck or Appamattuck. The river flows through areas that used to grow cotton and tobacco.
Contents
Where Does the Appomattox River Flow?
The Appomattox River starts in Appomattox County, Virginia. This is about 10 miles (16 km) northeast of the town of Appomattox, Virginia. It begins in a hilly area called the Piedmont.
- First, it flows southeast through the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest.
- Then, it reaches the town of Farmville.
- From Farmville, it makes a big curve, flowing northeast and then southeast.
- It passes through a reservoir called Lake Chesdin.
- The river then goes through the city of Petersburg. This is where larger boats could travel on the river.
- Finally, it flows through the Tri-cities area.
- The Appomattox River joins the James River at City Point in Hopewell.
A Look Back: History of the River
The Appomattox River was very important for travel and trade a long time ago. From 1745 to 1890, people used it to move goods. They used special flat-bottomed boats called batteaux. These boats could travel from Farmville, Virginia all the way to Petersburg, Virginia.
- Places like Eppington Plantation had docks for bigger boats. These boats could carry heavy loads, like seven tons, to Petersburg. A trip there and back would take about four days.
- Petersburg had a port below the Fall Line. This meant ships carrying up to 200 tons could travel downriver to the Atlantic Ocean.
- Even larger ships could dock at Port Walthall, which was six miles (10 km) downstream.
- At City Point, where the Appomattox meets the James River, even bigger ships could dock in the 1800s.
The River's Role in the Civil War
In April 1865, during the American Civil War, the Appomattox River played a part in the war's end. This was during the Appomattox Campaign. Soldiers from the Confederate army tried to burn the High Bridge. This bridge crossed the river northwest of Burkeville. They wanted to stop the Union Army from chasing them after Petersburg fell.
But the Union Army captured the bridge. This helped lead to General Robert E. Lee's surrender. He surrendered at Appomattox Court House, which was nearby. This event helped bring the war in Virginia to an end.
Fun on the Appomattox River
Today, the Appomattox River is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy whitewater rafting and canoeing on its waters.
- A popular spot is downstream from the small Abutment Dam. This dam is a couple of miles downstream from Chesdin Dam.
- You can enjoy rafting and canoeing from the village of Matoaca all the way to Petersburg, Virginia. This area is near Virginia State University.
