Cottonwood Creek (Guadalupe County) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cottonwood Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | New Berlin, Texas 29°27′26″N 98°00′51″W / 29.45722°N 98.01417°W |
| River mouth | Guadalupe River Seguin, Texas 135 m (443 ft) 29°31′37″N 97°56′12″W / 29.52694°N 97.93667°W |
Cottonwood Creek is a stream located in South Central Texas, United States. It flows for about 9 miles (14.5 km). The creek starts near New Berlin, Texas and joins the Guadalupe River close to Seguin, Texas. This creek is a small branch, or tributary, of the Guadalupe River. It helps form the local water system, known as a watershed, near Seguin. There is another creek with the same name in Hays County, but this article focuses on the one in Guadalupe County, Texas.
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History of Cottonwood Creek
People have lived near and used Cottonwood Creek for a very long time. Evidence shows human activity here dates back over 11,000 years!
How Cottonwood Creek Got Its Name
When early settlers arrived near Seguin, they first called this stream "Shawnee Creek." This name came from a story about the Shawnee people. In the early 1800s, a friendly group of Shawnee lived near a settlement called Gonzales. They often traveled along the Guadalupe River to hunt for food.
One day, while hunting near Seguin, they met a large group of their enemies, the Comanche. A battle began, and the Shawnee suffered many losses, including two of their chiefs. The Shawnee carried their chiefs to the mouth of Cottonwood Creek and buried them there. When they returned home, they told their allies in Gonzales about the battle. From then on, early settlers knew the creek as Shawnee Creek. Later, its name changed to Cottonwood Creek, likely because of the cottonwood trees growing nearby.
Fun Things to Do at Cottonwood Creek
Today, the area around Cottonwood Creek offers many chances for outdoor fun. You can enjoy nature, go fishing, or even hunt in certain areas.
Nolte Island Recreation Area
Near where Cottonwood Creek meets the Guadalupe River, you'll find Nolte Island Recreation Area. This is a special island created by people. It's a popular spot for community events and gatherings. The park has pavilions that you can rent for parties or other special occasions. It's a great place to spend time outdoors with friends and family.
Animals and Plants of Cottonwood Creek
The region around Cottonwood Creek is home to many different kinds of fish and other wildlife. The creek flows through gently rolling grasslands. The soil here is mostly clay, which helps certain plants grow.
Wildlife and Plants You Might See
You might spot various fish in the creek. The land around it supports plants like honey mesquite trees. You can also find wild orange trees, also known as Osage-orange. Another plant common here is the texana plum. The area also has natural grasses, including a type called "Texas spur." This mix of plants provides food and shelter for many animals.
