Big Black River (Saint John River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Black River |
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|---|---|
| Countries | Canada and the United States |
| Province and state | Quebec and Maine |
| Quebec and Maine administrative region | Chaudière-Appalaches and North Maine Woods |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sainte-Lucie-de-Beauregard, Quebec, L'Islet Regional County Municipality, Chaudière-Appalaches, Quebec, Canada 380 metres (1,250 ft) 46°52′38″N 70°10′06″W / 46.87722°N 70.16833°W |
| River mouth | Township T15 R13 WELS, Aroostook County, Maine,  United States231 metres (758 ft) 46°56′59″N 69°26′55″W / 46.94972°N 69.44861°W |
| Length | 77.9 kilometres (48.4 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Big Black River (in French: Grande Rivière Noire) is a river that flows through parts of Quebec, Canada, and Maine, United States. It starts in Quebec and travels northeast and east. Eventually, it crosses the border into Maine. The river then joins the Saint John River.
Contents
Where Does the Big Black River Flow?
The Big Black River flows through different areas in both countries:
- In Quebec, it passes through the L'Islet RCM. This includes towns like Sainte-Lucie-de-Beauregard, Quebec, Sainte-Apolline-de-Patton, Quebec, and Saint-Pamphile, Quebec.
- In Maine, it flows through Aroostook County. This area is part of the North Maine Woods.
A Record-Breaking Cold Spot
Did you know the Big Black River area holds a record? On January 16, 2009, the coldest temperature ever officially recorded in Maine happened here. It was a freezing −50 °F (−46 °C)! The previous record was −48 °F (−44 °C), set in 1925.
The River's Journey
The Big Black River begins in the Talon Township in Sainte-Lucie-de-Beauregard, Quebec. This area is part of the Notre Dame Mountains. The river's source is about 11.1 kilometres (6.9 mi) northwest of the Canada-US border.
The Big Black River is about 77.9 kilometres (48.4 mi) long in total. About 32.9 kilometres (20.4 mi) of its journey is in Quebec. The remaining 45.0 kilometres (28.0 mi) are in Maine.
Starting in Quebec
In Quebec, the river flows mostly northeast. It passes through several towns and collects water from smaller streams. These include the Rocky River (Big Black River) and the Buckley River. It also picks up water from "Fromagerie Creek" and the Grande rivière Noire Est.
Further along, the river continues northeast. It collects water from streams like Ratsoul Brook and Dead Creek. It also meets the Grand Calder River. The river then turns eastward, flowing through Saint-Pamphile, Quebec. Here, it meets the Trout River (Grand Black River). Finally, it flows southeast until it reaches the Canada-US border.
Flowing Through Maine
Once it crosses the border, the Big Black River flows through wild, forested, and mountainous areas of Maine. It flows east, then southeast, and sometimes north. Along the way, it collects water from several brooks and streams. These include Good Brook, Depot Stream, and the "Fivemile Brook." It also meets Twomile Brook.
The Big Black River eventually empties into the Saint John River (Bay of Fundy). This meeting point is in Township T15 R13 WELS in Maine. From this point, the Saint John River flows east and northeast through Maine. Then it goes east and southeast through New Brunswick. Finally, the Saint John River empties into the Bay of Fundy, which connects to the Atlantic Ocean.
What's in a Name?
The name "Grande rivière Noire" (Big Black River) was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is Quebec's official place names board.
