Bellamy River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bellamy River |
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Bellamy River Dam c. 1910
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Strafford |
| Municipalities | Barrington, Madbury, Dover |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Swains Lake Barrington 279 ft (85 m) 43°11′14″N 71°1′28″W / 43.18722°N 71.02444°W |
| River mouth | Little Bay Dover 0 ft (0 m) 43°7′36″N 70°50′51″W / 43.12667°N 70.84750°W |
| Length | 15 mi (24 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Bellamy River is a cool river in southeastern New Hampshire. It's about 15 miles (24 km) long. This river starts at Swains Lake in Barrington. It then flows east through the Bellamy Reservoir in Madbury. The river also goes through the city of Dover. Finally, it flows southeast as a tidal river into Little Bay. Little Bay connects Great Bay with the huge Atlantic Ocean.
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Exploring the Bellamy River
The Bellamy River has played an important role in the history of the towns it flows through. From fun swimming spots to powering big factories, the river has seen a lot.
Bellamy Park: A Local Favorite
Years ago, the Bellamy River had a dam at Bellamy Park in Dover. This spot was a favorite for kids and teens in the area. They loved to swim there and enjoy the water.
Over time, the park's dam started to break down. In 1976, the students from Dover High School decided to help. As a special class activity, they worked to clear away the old dam.
River Power for Mills
A short distance down the river from Bellamy Park, there was once an old mill building. This mill used the river's strong flow to power its machines. It was abandoned in the middle of the 20th century.
Further along the river, you would find the Sawyer Woolen Mills. This was a very large factory in Dover. It made woolen products in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Bellamy River was super important here too, as it provided the power for this big factory.
The Tidal River
After passing the last dam, the Bellamy River changes. It becomes a "tidal river." This means its water level goes up and down with the ocean's tides. At low tide, the river can look like a small trickle of water.
