Evitts Creek (North Branch Potomac River tributary) facts for kids
Evitts Creek is a smaller river, also called a stream, that flows into the North Branch Potomac River. It runs through parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Evitts Creek meets the North Branch Potomac River about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Cumberland, Maryland.
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About Evitts Creek
Evitts Creek is about 30.2 miles (48.6 km) long. It starts in central Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and then flows southwest. The creek travels between two mountain ridges, Evitts Mountain and Wills Mountain. Along its path, it passes through two reservoirs, Lake Koon and Lake Gordon, before joining the North Branch Potomac River.
How Evitts Creek Got Its Name
Both Evitts Creek and Evitts Mountain are named after an early settler in Allegany County, Maryland. In the 1780s, this pioneer, Mr. Evitt, decided to live a quiet life away from busy towns. He chose a spot on top of what is now Evitts Mountain. This mountain is over 2,000 feet (610 m) high!
It's said that his old home was on the mountain top. Every day, he would hike down a steep 3.5-mile (5.6 km) trail, which is now called Evitts Homestead Trail. A smaller stream called Rocky Gap Run flows near the eastern base of Evitts Mountain and into what is now Rocky Gap State Park.
Water for Cumberland
Evitts Creek is very important because it provides the drinking water for the city of Cumberland.
Fish in the Creek
Many kinds of fish live in Evitts Creek. Brook trout are native to the area, but there aren't many left. However, new trout are added to the creek every year in both Pennsylvania and Maryland. You can also find bass, catfish, and bluegill swimming in the creek.
Historical Events Along Evitts Creek
Evitts Creek has been the site of a few interesting historical events:
Colonial Times
Long ago, during colonial days, a place called Frazier's Plantation was located just upstream from Evitts Creek. In 1755, a woman named Jane Frazier was taken west by Native Americans. She managed to escape and made her way back home about a year later.
Civil War Battle
During the American Civil War, a battle took place near Evitts Creek. In August 1864, Union soldiers fought against Confederate cavalry in the Battle of Folck's Mill. The Union forces successfully stopped the Confederates. This battle happened at the end of a raid where the Confederates had burned Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. After the battle at Evitts Creek, the Confederates retreated to Oldtown, Maryland, and crossed the river after another small fight.
