Contentnea Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Contentnea Creek |
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 Location of Contentnea Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Neuse River |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| Counties | Pitt Lenoir Greene Wilson |
| Cities | Hookerton Snow Hill Stantonsburg Wilson |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of Moccasin and Turkey Creeks about 1 miles east of Stilleys Crossroads 136 ft (41 m) 35°41′29″N 078°07′12″W / 35.69139°N 78.12000°W |
| River mouth | Neuse River Grifton, North Carolina 3 ft (0.91 m) 35°20′26″N 077°23′20″W / 35.34056°N 77.38889°W |
| Length | 91.0 mi (146.5 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | east and southeast |
| River system | Neuse River |
| Basin size | 1,017.58 square miles (2,635.5 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Buckhorn Reservoir Wiggins Mill Reservoir |
Contentnea Creek is an important stream in North Carolina, USA. It flows for about 91 miles (146 km) and eventually joins the Neuse River. This creek is a big part of the Neuse River's water system, helping to carry water across a large area.
The creek starts at the Buckhorn Reservoir, which is west of Wilson, North Carolina. From there, it flows through another lake called Wiggins Mill Reservoir, which is on the southwest side of Wilson. It then passes by towns like Stantonsburg and Snow Hill. Finally, Contentnea Creek empties into the Neuse River near Grifton, North Carolina.
Contents
About Contentnea Creek
Contentnea Creek is known as a "tributary," which means it's a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one. In this case, it's a major tributary of the Neuse River. The area of land that drains into Contentnea Creek is called its "basin," and this basin covers about 1,017 square miles (2,634 square kilometers).
Where Does Contentnea Creek Start?
Contentnea Creek officially begins where two smaller streams, Moccasin Creek and Turkey Creek, meet. This spot is located about one mile east of a place called Stilleys Crossroads. At its very start, the creek is about 136 feet (41 meters) above sea level.
The Creek's Journey
As Contentnea Creek flows, it generally moves towards the east and then the southeast. Along its path, it collects water from many smaller streams and swamps. These smaller waterways are called "tributaries" too, but they flow into Contentnea Creek instead of the Neuse River.
Some of the smaller streams that join Contentnea Creek from its left side include Turkey Branch, Marsh Swamp, and Little Contentnea Creek. On its right side, it receives water from streams like Moccssin Branch, Black Creek, and Wheat Swamp. These many branches help feed the main creek, making it larger as it travels.
Where Does It End?
After its long journey, Contentnea Creek flows into the Neuse River near Grifton, North Carolina. At this point, the creek is very close to sea level, only about 3 feet (1 meter) above it. This is where its waters become part of the larger Neuse River system, which eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
