Blanchard River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blanchard River |
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The Blanchard River in Findlay
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | ~ 5 mi (8.0 km) northwest of Kenton |
| River mouth | Auglaize River near Dupont 686 ft (209 m) |
| Length | 103 mi (166 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 771 sq mi (2,000 km2) |
The Blanchard River is a river in northwestern Ohio, United States. It flows for about 103 miles (166 km). This river is a branch, or tributary, of the Auglaize River. It helps drain water from farms and rural areas into Lake Erie.
The river starts in central Hardin County, near the town of Kenton. It flows north for about 25 miles (40 km). Then, it makes a sharp turn to the west in Hancock County. The Blanchard River flows through the city of Findlay and past Ottawa. It finally joins the Auglaize River in Putnam County.
Contents
History of the Blanchard River
How the River Got Its Name
The Blanchard River is named after a French tailor named Jean Jacques Blanchard. He lived from 1720 to 1802. Jean Jacques Blanchard settled among the Shawnee people along this river in 1769.
Important Places and Songs
During the War of 1812, an American military base called Fort Findlay was built along the river. This fort was located where the city of Findlay is today.
In 1908, a famous songwriter named Tell Taylor wrote a popular song. It was called "Down by the Old Mill Stream." He wrote this song while sitting by the banks of the Blanchard River. It became a favorite song for barbershop groups.
Flooding Along the River
Past Flooding Events
The Blanchard River can sometimes flood, causing damage. In August 2007, a big flood happened. It caused over $100 million in damage in Findlay. The town of Ottawa also had about $12 million in damage.
Flooding in Ottawa can get worse because of a low bridge. This bridge carries County Road I-9 in Putnam County. During floods, the bridge can trap debris, like a dam. This makes the water rise even higher. Another flood caused damage in Findlay in March 2011.
Working to Prevent Floods
To help prevent future floods, officials from Hancock and Putnam counties have been working hard. On November 28, 2012, they went to Washington D.C. They asked for $1.7 million in federal money. This money was needed to finish a study about how to stop the Blanchard River from flooding.
Other Names for the River
The Blanchard River has been known by several other names over time. These names come from different languages and historical records.
Here are some of the other names for the Blanchard River:
- Quegh-tua-wa (in Odawa)
- Queghtuwa (in Odawa)
- Blanchard Fork
- Blanchard's Fork
- Blanchards Fork
- Quegh-tu-wa
- Sha-po-qua-te-sepe
- Sha-po-qua-te-sepi
- Tailor's River
- Tailors River
