Chowan River facts for kids
The Chowan River is a beautiful blackwater river (meaning its water looks dark, like tea, because of plants decaying) in North Carolina. It forms when two rivers from Virginia, the Blackwater and Nottoway rivers, join together near the border of Virginia and North Carolina. Sometimes, it's also called the Choan River.
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About the Chowan River
Where is the Chowan River?
The Chowan River flows for about 50 miles (80 kilometers) before it reaches the Albemarle Sound on North Carolina's coast. It helps drain a huge area of land, about 4,800 square miles (12,430 square kilometers), across both North Carolina and Virginia.
How Big is the River?
The river mostly flows through swampy areas, but it gets very wide as it nears the Albemarle Sound. At its widest point, it's almost two miles (3 kilometers) across! The average depth of the river is about 16 feet (5 meters), but it can be as deep as 40 feet (12 meters) near Holiday Island. Even though the river has tides, the water level usually changes by less than one foot (30 centimeters) between high and low tide. The Eden House bridge on US Route 17 marks where the Chowan River ends and the Albemarle Sound begins.
River Friends: Fish and Other Life
The Chowan River is a great place for fishing! You can find lots of catfish and largemouth bass here. The river's dark, calm waters are perfect for these fish to live and grow.
Important Rivers Joining the Chowan
Several other rivers and creeks flow into the Chowan River, making it even bigger. Some of these important waterways include Bonds Creek, the Meherrin River, Bennett's Creek, and the Wiccacon River. Bennett's Creek is special because it connects the Chowan River to Merchant's Millpond State Park, a beautiful natural area.
A Look Back: The Chowan River in History
The River's Name: A Historic Discovery
The Chowan River has one of the oldest English place-names still used in the United States! Along with Roanoke Island and the Neuse River, it was named way back in 1584. This happened when Captains Philip Amadas and Arthur Barlowe explored the region. They were sent by Sir Walter Raleigh to learn more about the land. The name comes from the "Chowanook" or Chowanoke people, and it was later shortened to Chowan.
The Chowan River During the Civil War
The Chowan River played an important role during the American Civil War. Union ships used the river as a pathway to try and disrupt the Confederate army's supply lines.
One time, Union ships sailed up the Chowan River. They passed by small Confederate outposts near Harrellsville, North Carolina and Cofield, North Carolina. When the ships reached Winton, North Carolina, the local Confederate troops were ready. They tried to trick the Union soldiers by sending a young girl to tell them that everyone had fled. However, a Union soldier spotted a glint of sunlight on a musket in the woods, revealing the ambush! The Union ships quickly moved away, then returned to burn Winton. Later, this same Union fleet traveled up the Meherrin River to Murfreesboro, North Carolina and then marched towards the railroad at Weldon.
