Hampton River facts for kids
The Hampton River is a short river, about 3.2 miles (5.1 kilometers) long. It's a special type of river called a tidal estuary. This means its water mixes with the ocean's tides. The Hampton River flows into a bigger area called Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads then connects to the huge Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, United States. The Hampton River is found completely within the city of Hampton.
Sometimes, the Hampton River is also called Hampton Creek. This is similar to other smaller rivers in the area.
What's in a Name?
The Hampton River was named after Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton. He was an important leader of the Virginia Company of London. This company helped start the first English settlements in Virginia. Later, a famous school called Hampton Institute was built right on the Hampton River. Today, it is known as Hampton University.
A Look Back in Time
Hundreds of years ago, in the late 1600s and early 1700s, the Hampton River was a very busy place. Small sailing ships called sloops traveled on it often. They brought many different goods to and from the Colony of Virginia.
In 1719, a British Navy officer named Lt. Robert Maynard sailed back to Hampton. He had just defeated the famous pirate Blackbeard in November 1718. As proof of his victory, he brought back Blackbeard's head. It was then placed at the mouth of the river, also known as Teach's Point. This was meant to be a strong warning to any other pirates.
