Geddes Run (Tohickon Creek tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Geddes Run
Geddes Run
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Bucks
Township	Plumstead
Physical characteristics
Main source	555 feet (169 m) 40°23′10″N 75°8′24″W / 40.38611°N 75.14000°W / 40.38611; -75.14000
River mouth	82 feet (25 m) 40°25′23″N 75°3′59″W / 40.42306°N 75.06639°W / 40.42306; -75.06639
Length	5.21 miles (8.38 km)
Basin features
Progression	Geddes Run → Tohickon Creek → Delaware River → Delaware Bay
River system	Delaware River
Basin size	4.94 square miles (12.8 km2)
Bridges	Meetinghouse Road Potters Lane Belmont Manor Drive Old Durham Road Pennsylvania Route 412 (Durham Road) Wismer Road Groveland Road Tollgate Road Tohickon Hill Road
Slope	90.79 feet per mile (17.195 m/km)

Geddes Run is a small stream, also called a tributary, that flows into the Tohickon Creek. It is located entirely within Plumstead Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the United States.

Discovering Geddes Run's Past

Early Inhabitants and Tools

Long ago, the Lenape people were the first to live near Geddes Run. They were skilled at making tools. Many old tools, like 'turtlebacks' (which look like turtle shells), have been found here. The Lenape made these from a special rock quarry in the area.

Land Changes and Quarries

In 1737, the land around Geddes Run became part of the "Walking Purchase." This was a large land deal made by the family of William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania.

Later, a 'bluestone' quarry nearby became very important. Nicholas L. Heaney ran this quarry for many years. It provided thousands of feet of flagstone (flat stones for paths) and curbstone (stones for road edges). These stones were used for the streets of Doylestown until concrete became more common.

The Great Storm of 1891

On August 24, 1891, a very big storm hit the area. Doylestown recorded 5.21 inches (13.2 cm) of rain in just 24 hours! This huge amount of rain caused Geddes Run to flood. The flood caused a lot of damage in Point Pleasant. It even destroyed a store and badly damaged the covered bridge over the Tohickon Creek.

Understanding Geddes Run's Measurements

Geddes Run is about 5.21 miles (8.38 km) long. It has a watershed (the area of land where all the water drains into the stream) of 4.94 square miles (12.8 km²). This watershed is part of the larger Delaware River watershed.

The stream starts high up at an elevation of 555 feet (169 m). It then flows down to its end, where it meets the Tohickon Creek, at an elevation of 82 feet (25 m). This difference in height means the stream has an average slope of 90.79 feet per mile (17.195 m/km).

Geddes Run has a special identification number, GNIS I.D. 1175497, from the U.S. Geological Survey. It joins the Tohickon Creek about 0.30 river mile from where the Tohickon Creek itself flows into the Delaware River.

Following Geddes Run's Path

Geddes Run starts by flowing mostly towards the northeast for about half of its journey. Then, it makes a turn and flows southeast for a short distance. After that, it turns back towards the northeast. Along this path, it picks up water from a smaller, unnamed stream that flows into it.

Finally, Geddes Run reaches the Tohickon Creek in a place called Pleasant Valley. This meeting point is about 1,500 feet (460 m) before the Tohickon Creek flows into the mighty Delaware River.

Exploring Geddes Run's Rocks

Geological Formations

The land around Geddes Run is part of a big area called the Appalachian Highlands Division. More specifically, it's in the Piedmont Province, and even more precisely, in the Gettysburg-Newark Lowland Section.

The main type of rock found under Geddes Run is called the Lockatong Formation. These rocks were formed a very long time ago during the Triassic period.

Types of Rocks in the Formation

The Lockatong Formation is made up of several kinds of rocks. You can find argillite, which is a hard, fine-grained rock. There is also shale, which is a soft, layered rock. Sometimes, you might also find some impure limestone and calcareous shale. Calcareous means it contains calcium carbonate, like chalk or seashells.

Bridges Crossing Geddes Run

Many roads and paths cross over Geddes Run. Here is a list of some of the bridges: