Buckhannon River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buckhannon River |
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The Buckhannon River in Rangoon in 2005
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Map of the Monongahela River basin, highlighting the Buckhannon River
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| Counties | Upshur, Barbour |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Left Fork Buckhannon River and Right Fork Buckhannon River Alexander, Upshur County 1,837 ft (560 m) 38°47′03″N 80°13′20″W / 38.78417°N 80.22222°W |
| River mouth | Tygart Valley River southwestern Barbour County 1,325 ft (404 m) 39°05′49″N 80°04′35″W / 39.09694°N 80.07639°W |
| Length | 45 mi (72 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 309 sq mi (800 km2) |
The Buckhannon River is a river in north-central West Virginia, USA. It is about 45 mi (72 km) long. The Buckhannon River is a tributary, which means it's a smaller river that flows into a larger one. It flows into the Tygart Valley River.
The Buckhannon River is part of a much bigger river system. Its water eventually flows into the Monongahela River, then the Ohio River, and finally the mighty Mississippi River. This whole area that collects water for the river is called its watershed. The Buckhannon River's watershed covers about 309 square miles (800 km2). This river is also very important because it provides drinking water for many people in Upshur County.
Contents
Where Does the Buckhannon River Flow?
How the River Begins
The Buckhannon River starts in southern Upshur County. It forms near a place called Alexander. Two smaller streams join together there to create the main river. These streams are called the Left Fork Buckhannon River and the Right Fork Buckhannon River.
Both of these "forks" begin in southwestern Randolph County. They flow generally towards the north into Upshur County. The Right Fork passes through towns like Pickens and Selbyville. It also collects water from other small streams. The Left Fork of the Right Fork flows through Helvetia.
Journey to the Tygart Valley River
From Alexander, the Buckhannon River flows mostly north. It goes past a town called Sago. Then it reaches the city of Buckhannon. After that, it turns northeast.
The river enters southwestern Barbour County. It flows past places like Boulder (which has the Rangoon Post Office) and Carrollton. In Carrollton, you can see the historic Carrollton Covered Bridge crossing over the river. The Buckhannon River then joins the Tygart Valley River. This meeting point is just downstream from Carrollton, about 4 miles (6 km) southwest of Philippi.
Most of the land around the Buckhannon River is covered by forests, especially trees that lose their leaves in the fall. About 79.5% of the river's watershed is forest. Another 18.1% of the land is used for farming and pastures for animals. Only a very small part, less than 1%, is covered by cities or towns.
What's in a Name?
Many local stories say the Buckhannon River was named after a Native American leader. This leader was named Buckongahelas, who lived a long time ago and was an ally of the British.
However, the most likely explanation is that the river was named after a clergyman. His name was John Buchannon. He was a missionary who explored this area in the 1780s.
Fish Life in the River
The Buckhannon River is a great place for fishing! Different parts of the river are home to different kinds of fish.
Upper River Fishing
The very beginning of the river, just after Alexander, is quite rocky. The water drops about 400 feet (120 m) in the first 13 miles (21 km). This fast-moving, rocky area is perfect for trout, especially brown trout. You can also find smallmouth bass and rock bass here.
Mid-River Fishing
Near the city of Buckhannon, there's a low dam. This dam creates a calm pool of water that stretches upstream to Sago. Downstream from Sago, the Buckhannon River is known as one of the best places in West Virginia to catch muskellunge, often called "muskies."
For about 20 miles (32 km) downstream from Buckhannon, the river flows slowly. Its banks are covered with plants, and there are many submerged logs. These logs provide great hiding spots for muskies. You can also find smallmouth bass, rock bass, and carp in this section.
Lower River Fishing
Closer to where the Buckhannon River joins the Tygart Valley River, the water flows faster again. This part of the river is home to smallmouth bass, rock bass, and different kinds of sunfish.
Other Names for the River
The Buckhannon River has been known by a few different names and spellings over time. The Geographic Names Information System lists these other names:
- Buchanan River
- Buchanon River
- Buckanan River
- Buckhanan River
- Buckhannans Fork
- Buckhanon River
