Cochecho River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cocheco River |
|
|---|---|
The Cocheco at Hanson Pines, Rochester, New Hampshire (2016)
|
|
 
|
|
| Other name(s) | Cochecho River |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Hampshire |
| County | Strafford |
| Towns & cities | New Durham, Farmington, Rochester, Dover |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | New Durham 880 ft (270 m) 43°27′34″N 71°6′57″W / 43.45944°N 71.11583°W |
| River mouth | Piscataqua River Dover 0 ft (0 m) 43°10′32″N 70°49′29″W / 43.17556°N 70.82472°W |
| Length | 38.3 mi (61.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
|
The Cocheco River is a river in New Hampshire, United States. It is about 38.3 mi (61.6 km) long. The river flows into the Piscataqua River.
The Cocheco River starts in northern Strafford County. It flows southeast through towns like Farmington and cities like Rochester and Dover. In Dover, the river helps make electricity using the power of its flowing water.
Near downtown Dover, the river becomes a tidal river. This means its water level changes with the ocean's tides. The Cocheco River then joins the Salmon Falls River at the border of Maine. Together, they form the Piscataqua River.
Some important smaller rivers that flow into the Cocheco include the Ela River, the Mad River, and the Isinglass River.
What Does the Cocheco River Name Mean?
The name "Cochecho" comes from the Abenaki language. It is thought to mean "rapid foaming water." This name likely describes the fast-moving water and waterfalls found in downtown Dover.
Early settlers in 1623 used this name for the whole river. They also named their settlement "Cochecho Plantation." Over time, the spelling changed from Cochecho to Cocheco. This change might have happened because of a mistake in official papers in 1827.
In 1911, the United States Board on Geographic Names officially decided that "Cocheco" would be the correct spelling. However, in 2015, there was a proposal to change the name back to "Cochecho." The board decided not to approve this change.
Images for kids
-
Cochecho Riverwalk sign in Dover
