Beals Creek facts for kids

Beals Creek is a river located in the state of Texas, United States. It's an important waterway that flows through the landscape, helping to shape the land and support local wildlife. This creek is known for its interesting path and a fascinating local legend.

What is Beals Creek?

Beals Creek is a natural stream that starts its journey in West Texas. It begins near a place called Salt Lake, just west of the town of Big Spring. At its very start, two smaller streams, the Sulphur Springs Draw and the Mustang Draw, meet up to form Beals Creek.

Where Does Beals Creek Flow?

Once it begins, Beals Creek flows generally towards the east and southeast. It travels across the land, making its way towards a much larger river. Eventually, Beals Creek joins the Colorado River, which is located south of Colorado City. This journey makes Beals Creek a tributary of the Colorado River, meaning it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one.

The Mystery of Montezuma

There's a very old and interesting story, or legend, about Beals Creek. This legend says that Montezuma, who was a powerful ruler of the Aztec Empire in ancient Mexico, might be buried somewhere in the creek bed.

The Legend's Story

The story goes that Montezuma managed to escape when his capital city, Tenochtitlan, fell. He supposedly traveled north, but sadly, he eventually died from his injuries. What makes this legend even more unique is what happened next. It's said that two Native American tribes, the Comanche and the Pawnee, worked together. Even though these tribes were sometimes rivals, they came together in a peaceful act. They built a dam across Beals Creek to hold back the water. Then, they performed a traditional funeral for Montezuma in the dry creek bed. The exact spot where he might be buried remains a mystery to this day.