Chelsea Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chelsea Creek |
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View across toward Chelsea from East Boston.
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| Other name(s) | Federal Name: Chelsea River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Cities | Chelsea, Revere, Boston |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Revere, Massachusetts, United States |
| River mouth | Mystic River Boston, Massachusetts, United States 0 ft (0 m) 42°23′1″N 71°2′36″W / 42.38361°N 71.04333°W |
Chelsea Creek, also called the Chelsea River on official maps, is a waterway in Massachusetts. It is about 2.6 miles (4.2 kilometers) long. This creek flows along the city of Chelsea. It also helps separate Chelsea from parts of Boston and Revere. The creek feeds into a part of the Belle Isle Marsh Reservation. This marsh area separates Boston from Revere. Chelsea Creek is one of 10 special port areas in Massachusetts.
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Where Does Chelsea Creek Flow?
The creek actually begins as a smaller stream called Mill Creek. This stream starts near a shopping center in Revere. Mill Creek flows east for about 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers). Then, it makes a sharp turn south and becomes the wider Chelsea Creek.
As it flows, Chelsea Creek runs between Chelsea and the East Boston neighborhood. In this area, large oil tanker ships use the waterway. They transport fuel to big oil tanks located nearby. The creek then turns southwest. It flows into the Mystic River just before the Mystic River empties into Boston Harbor.
Why is Chelsea Creek Important?
Chelsea Creek is a very important waterway for the region. All of the jet fuel used at Logan International Airport is stored along its banks. This means the creek helps keep planes flying!
The area also stores a lot of heating fuel for homes and businesses. About 70 to 80 percent of the heating fuel for all of New England is kept here. Plus, road salt for about 350 communities is stored along the creek. This salt is used to keep roads safe in winter.
A Historic Battle
Chelsea Creek was the site of an important event in American history. In May 1775, the American colonists fought a naval battle here. It was against the British during the American Revolution.
This battle is known as the Battle of Chelsea Creek. The American colonists won this fight. It was their first offensive victory against the British. This win helped boost their confidence early in the war.
How Do People Cross Chelsea Creek?
Several bridges and crossings go over Chelsea Creek. They connect the communities on either side. These crossings help people and vehicles move around the area.
Here are some of the main crossings:
- Chelsea Parkway Plaza (between Chelsea and Revere)
- Broadway (between Chelsea and Revere)
- A former mill site at Mill Street in Revere
- The MBTA Commuter Rail Newburyport/Rockport Line
- The Chelsea Street Bridge
- The Andrew P. McArdle Memorial Bridge
