Aquia Creek facts for kids
Aquia Creek is a stream in Northern Virginia. It is about 27.6 miles (44.4 km) long. This creek flows into the Potomac River, which is a much larger river. Aquia Creek starts in Fauquier County and ends at Brent Point in Stafford County. This spot is about 45 miles (72 km) south of Washington, D.C..
History of Aquia Creek
Aquia Creek has an interesting history, especially because of its special stone and its role in the American Civil War.
Aquia Creek Sandstone
A place called the Public Quarry at Government Island is located along Aquia Creek. This quarry was a very important source of a type of stone called Aquia Creek sandstone. This sandstone was used to build many important public buildings.
- The White House: The first White House in Washington, D.C., was built using this sandstone. It was later painted white, which is why it's called the White House today.
- National Capitol Columns: The large columns found at the U.S. Capitol building were also carved from Aquia Creek sandstone. These huge stones were moved to Washington, D.C., on special boats called barges.
Battle of Aquia Creek
Aquia Creek was also a site of fighting during the American Civil War. This battle was a small fight, sometimes called a skirmish.
- When it happened: The Battle of Aquia Creek took place from May 29 to June 1, 1861.
- Who fought: It was a fight between U.S. Navy ships and soldiers from the Confederate army.
- What happened: Three U.S. Navy ships, called gunboats, fired at a Confederate army base on the shore. The Confederates fired back with their cannons.
- Why it happened: This battle was part of the Union army's plan to block ships from entering the Chesapeake Bay. This was an important strategy during the war.
- Result: About 10 people were hurt or killed during this skirmish.
See Also
- Aquia Creek (disambiguation)
