Black Creek (Lehigh River tributary) facts for kids

Black Creek is a small stream, about 7.6 miles (12.2 km) long, in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, United States. It flows into the Lehigh River.

Black Creek starts in the southern part of Weatherly, Pennsylvania, where two smaller streams, Beaver Creek and Hazle Creek, join together. From there, it flows mostly east until it reaches the Lehigh River at a place called Penn Haven Junction. This area is near Hinkles Valley.

Black Creek has two main streams that flow into it near Weatherly. One is Beaver Creek, which is about 7 miles long. The other is Quakake Creek. Quakake Creek actually starts from many small streams. Sometimes, Quakake Creek is even called Black Creek itself.

Why is it Called Black Creek?

Black Creek got its name because its water looks dark. This dark color comes from anthracite coal in the area. Long ago, the creek was also known as Hazel Creek. This name came from the hazelnut trees that grew along its banks. However, today, the name "Hazel Creek" is used for a different stream that flows into Beaver Creek.

Black Creek and the Railroads

Black Creek, Beaver Creek, and the town of Weatherly are all connected to the history of early railroads.

Early Coal Transportation

In the 1830s, a company called the Beaver Meadow Railroad was formed. This railroad was later bought by the famous Lehigh Valley Railroad. The Beaver Meadow Railroad was built to transport coal from mines. At first, coal was moved by pack mules. But then, the company decided to build a railway, even though the idea of trains was very new and not fully tested yet.

First Steam Locomotives

Because of this, Black Creek became an important place for railroad history. It was along this creek that some of the very first steam locomotives in the United States were used to pull trains. These early trains helped carry coal to other places.

Black Creek joins the Lehigh River near the community of Rockport. This area is known for the rugged land of the Lehigh River Gorge.