Gulph Creek facts for kids
Gulph Creek is a small stream, also called a tributary, that flows into the Schuylkill River in southeastern Pennsylvania. It's about six miles long and flows mostly towards the east. This creek travels through several areas, including Tredyffrin, Radnor, and Upper Merion Township. It also passes through the town of West Conshohocken.
As it flows, Gulph Creek goes through the historic village of Gulph Mills and past a cool rock formation called Hanging Rock, right next to Route 320. The creek starts high up, at about 410 feet, in a place called Strafford. Its name comes from a really deep valley, over 200 feet deep, that the creek flows through. This valley is called a "gulph" because the creek makes a sharp turn north after flowing east-northeast.
Gulph Creek is one of four important watersheds in Radnor Township. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into one main river or stream. The other watersheds in Radnor Township are Ithan Creek, Darby Creek, and Meadowbrook Run.
History of Gulph Creek
The area around Gulph Creek has a special place in American history. During the American Revolutionary War, in December 1777, George Washington and his Continental Army troops camped right near Gulph Creek. This was a very important stop on their difficult journey to Valley Forge.
The soldiers were on their way to set up their winter camp at Valley Forge, which was a tough time for the army. Their brief stay near Gulph Creek is a reminder of the challenges and movements of the troops during the war. Historians are very interested in this valley because of its connection to such a famous moment in history.
