Fivemile Creek (Spring River tributary) facts for kids

Fivemile Creek is a small stream that flows through two states in the United States: Missouri and Oklahoma. It starts in Newton County, Missouri, and then makes its way into Ottawa County, Oklahoma. This creek is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one. Fivemile Creek eventually joins the Spring River in northeastern Oklahoma.

The Journey of Fivemile Creek

Fivemile Creek begins its journey in Missouri. The place where a stream starts is called its "headwaters." For Fivemile Creek, this is in Newton County, Missouri, at an elevation of about 1,153 feet (351 meters) above sea level.

From Missouri to Oklahoma

From its starting point, the creek flows generally towards the northwest. As it travels, it passes under Missouri Route 43, a main road, just south of a small community called Hornet.

Soon after, Fivemile Creek crosses the state line and enters the northeast corner of Oklahoma. Here, it flows under I-44, a major highway. After passing under the highway, the creek changes direction, turning to the southwest.

Joining the Spring River

The creek continues its path, flowing past another small community named Five Mile. Finally, after traveling about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) south of Baxter Springs, Kansas, Fivemile Creek meets and joins the Spring River. This meeting point, called the "confluence," is at an elevation of about 797 feet (243 meters).

How Fivemile Creek Got Its Name

The name "Fivemile Creek" comes from its distance from a nearby city. The creek's main path is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away from Neosho, Missouri. This is how it got its unique name! However, it's interesting to note that the very beginning of the creek (its headwaters) is actually about 9 miles (14 kilometers) northwest of Neosho, and the creek flows away from the city.