Daaquam River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daaquam River |
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|---|---|
| Countries | Canada, United States |
| States | Quebec (Canada) Maine (United States) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ware Township, Lac-Etchemin, Les Etchemins Regional County Municipality, Chaudière-Appalaches, Quebec, Canada 1,380 feet (420 m) 46°23′20″N 70°27′34″W / 46.38889°N 70.45944°W |
| River mouth | NW Branch Saint John River, Somerset County, Maine, Maine,  United States1,090 feet (330 m) 46°36′00″N 69°58′55″W / 46.60000°N 69.98194°W |
| Length | about 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) in US and 45.0 kilometres (28.0 mi) in Canada |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Daaquam River (in French: Rivière Daaquam) is a river that flows mostly in Quebec, Canada. It also flows into northern Maine in the United States.
The river starts south of Sainte-Justine in Quebec. It then flows northeast, crossing the border into Maine. Finally, it joins the Northwest Branch of the Saint John River.
The Daaquam River flows through several areas:
- In Quebec: Les Etchemins Regional County Municipality (including Lac-Etchemin, Quebec, Sainte-Justine, Quebec, and Saint-Camille-de-Lellis, Quebec) and Montmagny Regional County Municipality (including Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, Quebec).
- In the United States: Aroostook County in Maine.
In Canada, the Canadian Pacific Railway and Route 204 run along the north side of the Daaquam River. The river mostly flows through forests, but it also crosses some farming areas. It flows northeast, getting closer to the Canada-US border, which it crosses in the Panet Township.
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Where Does the Daaquam River Flow?
Canadian Side of the River
The Daaquam River begins in the Notre Dame Mountains in Quebec, Canada. Its source is in the municipality of Lac-Etchemin, Quebec. This starting point is about 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) southeast of Lake Etchemin. It is also 13.5 kilometers (8.4 miles) northeast of the Canada-US border.
The Daaquam River drains a small area in the Appalachian Mountains. The river flows through the municipalities of Saint-Camille-de-Lellis, Quebec and Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, Quebec. In the past, sawmills were located along its banks. A covered bridge used to cross the river here, but it was destroyed in 1960.
The Daaquam River flows for about 48.6 kilometers (30.2 miles) in total. About 45.0 kilometers (28.0 miles) of this is in Quebec, and 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles) is in Maine.
Here's a look at its journey:
- Upper Part of the River: This section is about 15.6 kilometers (9.7 miles) long. It flows northeast, making a curve to the south. It passes by Lake Labonté and then goes northeast to the Church road bridge. It also collects water from Lakes Garon, André Chabot, and Henry Maurice.
- Middle Part of the River: This section is about 12.9 kilometers (8.0 miles) long. It forms the border between Bellechasse and Daaquam Townships. It flows northeast, joining with the Roche River. It then crosses the "road of Saint John River" and meets the Black River (Daaquam River).
- Lower Part of the River: This section is about 20.1 kilometers (12.5 miles) long. It flows northeast into Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, Quebec. It passes by Carter stream and the Shidgel River. It also goes through the Rue des Moulins area and past Nolet stream. Finally, it flows south of Daaquam village before reaching the Canada-US border.
American Side of the River
After crossing the Canada-US border, the Daaquam River enters Maine. It flows eastward and empties into the Northwest Branch Saint John River. This part of the river is connected to the Northwest Black River in Quebec.
The Northwest Branch Saint John River is a major tributary of the St. John River. It carries a lot of water, similar to the Southwest Branch Saint John River, which starts in Saint-Zacharie in Southern Quebec.
What's in a Name?
The name "Daaquam" has been used on maps since the 1850s. This name is also connected to a township (created in 1861), a village (from 1915), a post office (from 1916), and a small community called Daaquam North. These places are all located in the Panet township.
In 1828, a survey report by Joseph Bouchette called this river by an Indigenous name, "Mittaywanquam." The official name "River Daaquam" was made formal on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec Place Names Board).
When the River Floods
The Daaquam River often floods in the spring when snow melts. Two floods were especially damaging. In 1971, a flood caused damage to buildings and properties. Another flood in 2008 caused significant damage to a local outfitter, which is a business that provides outdoor activities.
