Buffalo Creek (Elk River tributary, Oklahoma) facts for kids
Buffalo Creek is a small stream that flows through parts of Missouri and Oklahoma in the United States. It starts in Newton County, Missouri, then travels through McDonald County, Missouri, before entering Delaware County, Oklahoma. This creek is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one. Buffalo Creek eventually joins the Elk River.
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Where Does Buffalo Creek Start and End?
Buffalo Creek begins in Newton County, Missouri. This starting point is called its "headwaters." It's located south of a town called Neosho, near the campus of Crowder College. The exact spot is 36°48′15″N 94°21′38″W / 36.80417°N 94.36056°W.
The Creek's Journey
From its start, Buffalo Creek flows generally west. It passes under a major road, US Route 71. Then, it turns southwest and enters McDonald County, Missouri. Along its path, it goes by the small community of May.
The creek continues its journey southwest. It flows under Missouri routes 43 and 76, which are state highways. It also passes near the community of Tiff City before crossing the state border into Oklahoma.
Joining the Elk River
Once in Oklahoma, Buffalo Creek doesn't travel much further. It reaches its "confluence" with the Elk River. A confluence is the point where two or more rivers or streams meet. This meeting point is about two miles southwest of the Missouri-Oklahoma border. You can find this spot at 36°38′04″N 94°37′53″W / 36.63444°N 94.63139°W.
How Buffalo Creek Got Its Name
The name "Buffalo Creek" has an interesting story! It was named a long time ago because an early pioneer, which is someone who settles in a new area, killed a buffalo near the banks of this very creek. This shows that these large, powerful animals, also known as American bison, once roamed freely in this region.
