Blackwater River (Missouri) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackwater River |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of the North and South Forks of the Blackwater River, Johnson County, Missouri 700 ft (210 m) 38°48′23″N 93°50′46″W / 38.8063889°N 93.8461111°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the Lamine River in Cooper County, Missouri 577 ft (176 m) 38°56′21″N 92°56′50″W / 38.9391667°N 92.9472222°W |
| Length | 79 mi (127 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Blackwater River → Lamine → Missouri → Mississippi → Gulf of Mexico |
| GNIS ID | 729709 |
The Blackwater River is a river in west-central Missouri, United States. It's about 79.3-mile-long (127.6 km). This river is a tributary of the Lamine River. This means it flows into the Lamine River. From there, its water eventually reaches the Missouri River and then the mighty Mississippi River. Finally, it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The river got its name because of the dark color of its banks and water.
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Where Does the Blackwater River Flow?
The Blackwater River begins in Johnson County, Missouri. It forms where two smaller streams meet. These streams are called the North Fork Blackwater River and the South Fork Blackwater River. This meeting point is about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Warrensburg.
The River's Journey
The river generally flows towards the east-northeast. It travels through several counties in Missouri. These include Johnson, Pettis, Saline, and Cooper counties. Along its path, it passes by the towns of Sweet Springs and Blackwater.
The Blackwater River eventually flows into the Lamine River. This happens in northwestern Cooper County. The meeting point is about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of the town of Blackwater.
Where the Forks Begin
The North Fork of the Blackwater River starts in the southwestern part of Lafayette County. It's near a small village called Chapel Hill. The South Fork begins just southwest of there. It's in the northwest corner of Johnson County. Both forks start at an elevation of about 1050 feet. They are only about 1000 feet apart at their very beginnings.
Straightening the River
Some parts of the river's upper course have been straightened. This process is called channelization. It means that people have changed the natural path of the river. They make it straighter and sometimes deeper. This can help with things like flood control or navigation.
