Buffalo Creek (South Branch Potomac River tributary) facts for kids
Buffalo Creek is a small stream, about 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers) long, that flows freely in West Virginia. It's like a smaller river that feeds into a bigger one. Buffalo Creek flows into the South Branch Potomac River, which then joins the larger Potomac River. All these rivers are part of the huge Chesapeake Bay watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or bay.
This stream is found in the middle-west part of Hampshire County, West Virginia. Many small farms are located along Buffalo Creek. Because of this, the creek is mostly used by farmers. They use its water for their crops and to give their animals, like cows, a drink.
History of Buffalo Creek
Buffalo Creek and the valley it flows through were named a long time ago, in the 1700s. This was because many buffalo used to live in the area.
In 1755, when the French and Indian War began, a place called Fort Forman was built. Captain William Forman built this fort very close to Buffalo Creek. The stream was super important because it provided all the water for the fort. Today, you can find a special sign along West Virginia Route 28 that shows you about where the old fort used to be.
Where Buffalo Creek Starts and Flows
Buffalo Creek begins high up on the eastern side of South Branch Mountain. This is southwest of a town called Three Churches, West Virginia.
From its start, Buffalo Creek gently winds its way southwest. It flows along the bottom of the mountain, through a forest. Then, the stream turns and flows northwest through a narrow valley, like a small canyon. This valley is called Buffalo Hollow. As it goes through Buffalo Hollow, Buffalo Creek flows right next to Buffalo Hollow Road. This road is also known as West Virginia Secondary State Route 28/1.
The stream continues until it reaches West Virginia Route 28. Buffalo Creek then flows under West Virginia Route 28 and also under the South Branch Valley Railroad near Vance, West Virginia. Finally, it empties its water into the South Branch Potomac River.
