Chikaskia River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chikaskia River |
|
|---|---|
The Chikaskia River near the community of Corbin in Sumner County, Kansas
|
|
Map of the Salt Fork Arkansas watershed showing the Chikaskia River
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas, Oklahoma |
| Region | Great Plains |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Southwest Pratt County, Great Plains, Kansas, United States 925 ft (282 m) 37°31′00″N 098°34′43″W / 37.51667°N 98.57861°W |
| River mouth | Salt Fork of the Arkansas River Near Tonkawa, Oklahoma, United States 282 ft (86 m) 36°37′23″N 097°14′38″W / 36.62306°N 97.24389°W |
| Length | 159 mi (256 km), Southeast |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Salt Fork of the Arkansas River watershed |
The Chikaskia River is a long river, about 159 miles (256 kilometers) long. It flows through southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma in the United States. This river is a branch, or tributary, of the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River.
Eventually, the Chikaskia River's water joins the Arkansas River and then the mighty Mississippi River. This means the Chikaskia River is part of the huge watershed of the Mississippi River. Most people say its name as chi-KAS-kee-uh.
Contents
Where the Chikaskia River Flows
The Chikaskia River starts as a stream that sometimes dries up. This happens in the southwestern part of Pratt County, Kansas. At first, it flows towards the east into Kingman County.
Journey Through Kansas and Oklahoma
After Kingman County, the river turns to the southeast. It continues this path through Harper and Sumner counties in Kansas. Then, it crosses into Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, it flows through Grant and Kay counties.
Meeting the Salt Fork River
In Kay County, Oklahoma, the Chikaskia River flows past the town of Blackwell. Finally, it joins the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River. This meeting point is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) southeast of Tonkawa.
Understanding the River's Name
The official name of the river is "Chikaskia River." The United States Board on Geographic Names decided on this spelling in 1897. This board helps make sure places have clear, official names.
Other Names for the River
Before 1897, the river was known by a few different names. According to the Geographic Names Information System, some of these names included "Chicaskia River," "Sha wa cas kah River," and "Sha-wa-cas-kah River."
Fishing in the River
The Chikaskia River is a great place for fishing. It is especially known for its large catfish. The nearby Salt Fork of the Arkansas River also has many big catfish.
Images for kids
-
The Chikaskia River near Corbin, Kansas
-
Map of the Salt Fork Arkansas watershed showing the Chikaskia River
