Dogue Creek facts for kids

Dogue Creek is a stream about 8.5 miles (13.7 km) long in Fairfax County, Virginia. It flows into the Potomac River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.

Dogue Creek was named after the Doeg people. They were a group of Native Americans who lived in this area a long time ago.

The last 3 miles (5 km) of Dogue Creek are special. This part is a tidal embayment. This means the water level here changes with the ocean's tides, just like a small bay. This section is located east of Fort Belvoir.

What's in a Name?

Sometimes, places have different names over time. Dogue Creek is one of those places! The official name, Dogue Creek, was chosen in 1892. This decision was made by the United States Board on Geographic Names. This board is a group that makes sure places in the U.S. have clear, official names.

Before 1892, Dogue Creek was known by several other names. These older names include:

• Doag Creek
• Doeg Creek
• Dog's Creek
• Dogue Run
• Epsewassen Creek
• Epsewasson
• Hopkins' Creek
• Epsewasson Creek
• Hopkins Creek