Crum Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crum Creek |
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Bartram's Covered Bridge across Crum Creek
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Cities | Newtown Square, PA, Eddystone, PA |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Chester County, Pennsylvania 40°02′15″N 75°28′34″W / 40.03750°N 75.47611°W |
| River mouth | Delaware River Eddystone, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, USA 39°51′29″N 75°19′16″W / 39.85806°N 75.32111°W |
| Length | 24 mi (39 km) |
Crum Creek is a stream in Pennsylvania. Its name comes from a Dutch word meaning "crooked creek." This creek flows for about 24 miles (39 km) through Delaware County and Chester County, Pennsylvania. It generally moves south and eventually empties into the Delaware River in Eddystone, Pennsylvania. The creek starts near Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. In the 1800s, many mills were built along its banks.
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Bridges and Trestles
Crum Creek has several interesting bridges and trestles along its path. These structures help people and trains cross the creek.
Trolley Trestle
In Smedley Park, a trolley trestle crosses Crum Creek. This bridge is about 30 feet (9 meters) high. It carries the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's 101 trolley line. This trolley connects Media, Pennsylvania to other areas.
Railroad Trestle
About a mile south of the trolley trestle, there's a much larger bridge. This railroad trestle is about 1,000 feet (300 meters) long and 100 feet (30 meters) high. It carries SEPTA's Media/Elwyn Line commuter train. The creek flows through a deep valley here. This trestle is located in the Crum Woods.
Crum Woods
The Crum Woods is a large forest area of 200 acres (0.81 km²) around the creek. It is part of the Swarthmore College campus. This woodland is one of the biggest forest areas left in Delaware County. The college's Scott Arboretum helps manage and protect this important natural space.
Baltimore Pike Bridge
The Baltimore Pike also crosses Crum Creek near Smedley Park. A stone bridge was built here in 1924. It had a tall arch that was 70 feet (21 meters) high. This arch honored the 282 men and 2 women from Delaware County who died in World War I. Sadly, the arch was taken down in 1958 when the road was made wider. The memorial tablets were moved to the entrance of Smedley Park.
Springton Reservoir
Crum Creek is an important source of drinking water. In 1931, a dam was built on the creek near Pennsylvania Route 252. This dam created Springton Lake, also known as Geist Reservoir. This reservoir is about 391 acres (1.58 km²) in size. It holds drinking water and is managed by Aqua America.
Dams on Crum Creek
Crum Creek has five dams along its course. These dams help control the water flow and create small reservoirs.
- The first dam is in Upper Providence Township. It creates the large Springton Reservoir.
- The second dam is in Nether Providence Township. It forms a small, unnamed reservoir.
- The third dam is just north of Wallingford Road.
- The fourth dam is under the SEPTA Media/Elwyn bridge.
- The fifth dam is just north of East Rose Valley Road.
