Gasper River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gasper River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | US |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Barren River 420 feet (130 m) |
| Length | 39 miles (63 km) |
The Gasper River is a river in southwestern Kentucky, United States. It is about 39 miles (62 kilometers) long. This river flows towards the northeast. It eventually joins the Barren River. The Gasper River mostly runs through quiet, rural areas. The only town close by is Hadley in Warren County. The river starts in Logan County. It also flows through Warren and Logan counties.
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About the Gasper River
The Gasper River is usually about 40 to 60 feet wide. It has a few small rapids, which are parts where the water flows quickly over rocks. Because of these rapids, it is considered a river with a medium difficulty level for canoeing.
How the River Got Its Name
The name "Gasper River" comes from an older name, "Casper's River." This name was clearly shown on a map of Kentucky made in 1784 by John Filson. The river was named after Kasper or Casper Mansker. He was a famous longhunter and pioneer who explored Kentucky and Tennessee. His trading post, called Mansker's Station, was located south of where the town of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, is today.
Sally's Rock
Where the Gasper River meets the Barren River, there is a special rock called Sally's Rock. This rock was used as a guide for people steering boats on the river. It was named after Sally Beck. She was a local person who would share news with passing river boats in the 1880s.
Historical Connections
The Gasper River area has some interesting historical links.
George Washington's Family
Part of the land around the Gasper River was once given as a land grant to George Washington, Jr. He was the nephew of George Washington, who became the first president of the United States. George Washington, Jr. surveyed this land in 1785.
Early Religious Gatherings
The Gasper River was also important for early religious meetings. The home church of Reverend James McGready was located here. Religious revivals, which are large gatherings for religious worship, were held on the riverbanks as early as 1797. These were some of the very first open-air "tent revivals" or "camp meetings."
In 1800, Reverend McGready started another revival at the nearby Red River Meeting House. This event helped to start a big religious movement known as the Second Great Awakening. Many people who attended the Red River meeting were from the Gasper River church.
