Diascund Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diascund Creek |
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Diascund Creek south of Lanexa
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Chickahominy River 37°22′49″N 76°54′12″W / 37.3802°N 76.9034°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | James River |
| Tributaries |
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Diascund Creek is an important stream that flows into the Chickahominy River in Virginia. It's part of the larger Chesapeake Bay water system. This creek flows south and acts like a natural border between New Kent County on its west side and James City County on its east side.
Contents
The Diascund Reservoir
In 1963, a large dirt dam was built across Diascund Creek. This created a big lake called a reservoir, covering about 1,100 acres. The reservoir helps supply water to the city of Newport News.
You can visit Diascund Reservoir Park to get to the creek. This park is part of James City County's park system. There are also other places where local groups can get to the creek.
A Look Back in Time
Diascund Creek has been important for a long time. Even during colonial times, there was a bridge over the creek at Lanexa. This is where U.S. Route 60 crosses it today.
Revolutionary War History
During the American Revolutionary War, British soldiers came to Diascund Creek. On the night of April 22, 1781, they destroyed American naval supplies. These supplies were stored near the creek.
Railroad Bridges
Later, in 1881, the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad built a bridge over the creek. This was part of their "Peninsula Extension" project. The railroad built a bridge over the main part of the creek to an island called Hicks Island. Then, a raised path connected the island to the eastern bank. The Diascund train station was built just east of the creek, and the Lanexa station was to the west.
Life on the Creek Today
In the 1960s and 1970s, new neighborhoods were built along the lower part of the creek. These areas, like First Colony and Cypress Point, are close to the Chickahominy River.
Fun Activities
Many people enjoy motor boating and waterskiing on this part of the creek. It's a popular spot for water sports.
Environmental Changes
Over time, the homes built along the waterfront and the waves from motorboats have changed the creek's edges. This has affected the marsh lands nearby. Also, a plant called hydrilla started growing a lot in the water. This plant is not native to the area and can cause problems.
To help with the hydrilla, a type of fish called carp was put into the reservoir in 2013. The carp eat the hydrilla, which has helped reduce the plant in both the reservoir and the creek. However, the native marsh plants have not yet grown back to replace the hydrilla.
