Big Satilla River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Satilla River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ben Hill County, Georgia 350 ft (110 m) |
| River mouth | St. Andrew Sound 0 ft (0 m) |
| Length | 260 mi (420 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | Southeast Georgia |
The Big Satilla River is a long river in South Georgia. It starts in Ben Hill and Coffee counties. From there, it flows southeast for about 260 miles (418 km). It is one of Georgia's 14 most important river systems.
This river eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It reaches the ocean through St. Andrew Sound, which is just north of Cumberland Island. Cumberland Island is the largest of the Sea Islands along the southeastern United States coast.
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About the Big Satilla River
The Satilla is known as a blackwater river. This means its water looks dark, like tea. This color comes from decaying plants in swamps. The river begins at an elevation of about 350 feet (107 meters).
Near its start, the river has swamps and tall bluffs along its edges. Farther down, the river gets wider. It can be up to 3 miles (4.8 km) across. Here, it is bordered by salt marshes. At one point, it is about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) wide. But it slowly widens to about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) at its mouth.
Long ago, a French explorer named Jean Ribault called it Riviere Somme. Later, a Spanish explorer, St. Illa, gave the river his own name. Over time, English speakers changed "St. Illa" to "Satilla."
Exploring the Satilla River
You can visit the Satilla River or its smaller streams at several fun places. These spots offer great ways to enjoy nature and learn.
Crooked River State Park
This park is on the south bank of the Crooked River. It has a boat ramp that is popular for fishing. Nearby, you can see the ruins of the Tabby McIntosh Sugar Works mill. This mill was built around 1825. It was used to make starch during the Civil War.
The ferry to Cumberland Island is also close by. The Crooked River is a tidal creek. This means its water levels change with the ocean tides. It is part of a system of rivers, creeks, marshes, and islands along the Georgia coast.
General Coffee State Park
General Coffee State Park shows what life was like long ago. Its Heritage Farm has old log cabins and a corn crib. You can also see a tobacco barn and a cane mill. There are farm animals and other exhibits to explore.
The Seventeen Mile River flows through a cypress swamp here. This swamp is home to rare and endangered plants. You might even spot a threatened indigo snake or a gopher tortoise. These animals live in the sawgrass community. You can even stay overnight in a 19th-century cabin! The park is named after General John Coffee. He was a planter, a U.S. congressman, and a military leader. The Seventeen Mile River flows into the Satilla River.
Laura S. Walker State Park
This park is near the famous Okefenokee Swamp. It is a great place to see wildlife. You might spot alligators, shy gopher tortoises, or yellow-bellied flickers. Warblers, owls, and great blue herons also live here. The park also has interesting plants. These include carnivorous pitcher plants, oak trees, and saw palmettos.
The park has a lake where you can swim, boat, and fish. Laura S. Walker was a Georgia writer and teacher. She worked hard to protect trees. Big Creek flows from the park's 120-acre lake. This creek shows how small changes in land height can change where a river flows. Big Creek flows north into the Satilla River.
