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Hillsborough River (Florida) facts for kids

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Hillsborough River
Tampa Skyline.jpg
Hillsboroughrivermap.png
Hillsborough River watershed
Country United States
State Florida
Counties Pasco, Hillsborough
District SWFWMD
Cities Temple Terrace, Tampa
Physical characteristics
Main source Green Swamp
Branchborough, Florida
28°16′28″N 82°05′38″W / 28.27444°N 82.09389°W / 28.27444; -82.09389
River mouth Hillsborough Bay
Tampa, Florida
27°56′16″N 82°27′43″W / 27.93778°N 82.46194°W / 27.93778; -82.46194
Length 60 mi (97 km)
Basin features
Basin size 740 sq mi (1,900 km2)
Tributaries
  • Left:
    Blackwater Creek, Flint Creek
  • Right:
    New River

The Hillsborough River is a river in Florida, United States. It starts in the Green Swamp. This is where Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties meet. The river flows for about 60 miles (97 km) through Pasco and Hillsborough Counties. It ends in Tampa at Tampa Bay.

The river has four nature trails. These trails are over 7 miles (11 km) long. They are great for hikers. The name Hillsborough River first appeared on a British map in 1769. It was named after the Earl of Hillsborough. He was a British government official at that time.

History of the Hillsborough River

Scientists believe the Hillsborough River has been flowing for about 27,000 years. Humans likely first came to this area 12,000 to 15,000 years ago.

In the late 1700s, the land around the Hillsborough River was a thick, old forest. It had huge bald cypress and longleaf pine trees. Some of these trees were hundreds or even thousands of years old. From the mid-1800s to about 1913, people started cutting down these trees. Most trees in the river area are now less than 100 years old.

Cutting down the old trees changed the forest. New trees like water ash grew quickly in the sunny spots. The river swamp forest today looks very different from how it did thousands of years ago.

When Europeans first arrived in Florida, the Safety Harbor culture lived around Tampa Bay. Two groups, the Mocoso and Pohoy, lived near where the Hillsborough River meets Tampa Bay. Hernando de Soto landed nearby in 1539. He traveled through Mocoso on his way north. By the early 1700s, diseases and slavery had almost wiped out the Safety Harbor people.

Important Dates for the Hillsborough River

  • 1757: A Spanish explorer named Don Francisco Maria Celi explored the river. He went up to the Temple Terrace area. He was looking for longleaf pine trees for ship masts. He named the pine forest "The Pines of the Cross of Saint Teresa." A plaque at Riverhills Park remembers his trip.
  • 1772: A map sent to the Earl of Hillsborough showed the river named as the Hillsborough. Around this time, Native Americans from the north, mostly Creek people, moved to Florida. They became known as Seminoles.
  • 1821: Florida became a United States territory.
  • 1824: Construction of Fort Brooke began at the mouth of the Hillsborough River.
  • 1828: The Fort King Military Road was built. It connected Fort King in Ocala to Fort Brooke in Tampa. A bridge was built over the Hillsborough River.
  • 1830: The U.S. government passed the Indian Removal Act. They started trying to move the Seminole people from Tampa Bay to a reservation west of the Mississippi River. This caused tension.
  • 1835: Seminoles burned the bridge at the Fort King Road crossing. Conflicts continued.
  • 1836: Fort Foster was built at the river crossing. This protected an important spot.
  • 1842: The Armed Occupation Act offered land to men who would build a house and farm for five years.
  • 1843: The Jean Street Shipyard started on the Hillsborough River.
  • 1846: The first ferry crossing on the river began. This helped Tampa grow on both sides of the river.
  • 1861: During the American Civil War, federal troops blocked Tampa Bay. This stopped goods from moving in and out of Tampa.
  • 1863: Federal troops went upriver near Lowry Park Zoo. They found and burned ships carrying cotton. This was the only Civil War fight on the Hillsborough River.
  • 1891: The Tampa Bay Hotel, now the Henry B. Plant Museum, opened.
  • 1897: An electrical dam was built on the river. It cost $150,000.
  • 1898: On December 13, the dam was blown up by cattle owners. They were angry about losing grazing land. You can still see parts of the old dam when the water is low.
  • 1898–99: TECO bought the electric company and built a new dam.
  • 1899: Tampa's first water plant was built. It supplied water to the city.
  • 1900: The Sulphur Springs property was developed and opened to the public.
  • 1910: Hillsborough Bay was deepened for ships. The Hillsborough River area was heavily logged until 1913.
  • 1911–1914: Bertha Potter Palmer bought a huge area of land along the river. She called it "Riverhills Ranch." It was a private hunting preserve.
  • 1922: The Temple Terrace Golf and County Club opened.
  • 1923: The city of Tampa built a water treatment plant. It used water from above the dam.
  • 1933: A huge rainstorm washed away the Tampa Electric dam. TECO did not rebuild it.
  • 1935: Hillsborough River State Park opened.
  • 1944: The city of Tampa finished building the current dam. It holds drinking water for the city.
  • 1961: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) was created.
  • 1960s-70s: The 14-mile (23 km) long Tampa Bypass Canal was built. It helps control floods.
  • 1979: Swimming was stopped at Hillsborough River State Park. A swimming pool was built instead.
  • 1982: Lettuce Lake Park opened on the river.
  • 1988: The yearly Hillsborough River Cleanup began.
  • 1991: Canoe Escape opened. Its owners helped people learn about the river.
  • 1995: The Hillsborough River was named an Outstanding Florida Water. This means it is a special, protected waterway.
  • 1995: The river was also named a Florida Recreational Canoe Trail.
  • 1999: "Friends of the River" was formed. This group worked to protect the river's water flow.
  • 2007: A plan was adopted to increase the river's water flow. This helps keep the river healthy.

The Hillsborough River Today

The Hillsborough River is home to many animals. Many large bird nesting areas are found here. Sixth-grade students in Hillsborough County visit the river. They learn about its ecosystem, watershed, and native Florida animals. This happens at a place called 'Nature's Classroom'.

The Hillsborough River dam creates a large lake. This lake covers 1,300 acres (5 km2) and holds 1.6 billion US gallons (6,100,000 m3) of water. This water supplies the City of Tampa. The city is allowed to take water from the river above the dam. This water is used for its citizens.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District protects and manages Florida's waters. They make sure the river has enough water. They also work to keep the middle and upper parts of the river clean and natural.

The river above the dam flows through the Temple Crest neighborhood. Above the 56th Street bridge, it flows through Temple Terrace. This is a very beautiful part of the river. The city cleans its part of the river twice a year.

Hillsborough River State Park

Hillsborough River State Park covers 2,990 acres (12 km2) along the river. It is in northeastern Hillsborough County. The park protects many Florida environments. These include swamps and oak forests. It also protects many endangered species. The park's goal is to keep "the real Florida" safe.

Visitors can picnic, camp, canoe, hike, fish, and swim in a pool. There is also a special spot to see the river's Class II rapids. This is one of the only rivers in Florida with rapids. The park opened in 1935. This makes it one of Florida's oldest state parks.

The Middle River: Tampa's Water Source

The middle river is the part of the river north of the dam. It is the main source of water for the City of Tampa. This section extends from the dam back to Fletcher Avenue. The Hillsborough River starts in the Green Swamp and flows into Tampa Bay.

In Tampa's early days, people got water from wells and tanks. Tampa's first water plant opened in 1899. It pumped well water for the city. In 1923, the city bought the water plant. The middle river has been Tampa's official water source since 1944.

But the middle river is more than just a water source. It is a rich and diverse ecosystem. Orange Lake, in the Temple Crest neighborhood, is a bird sanctuary. It is also a living wetland. Upstream, near Temple Terrace's Riverhills Park, you can see old Florida. Cypress trees stand tall in the watery landscape.

Fun Activities on the Hillsborough River

Florida has marked a 34.5-mile (55.5 km) canoe trail on the river. It starts at Hillsborough River State Park. It ends at Rowlett Park in Tampa. Many parks are located along the Hillsborough River. These include Morris Bridge Park, Trout Creek Wilderness Park, Lettuce Lake Park, Riverfront Park, Riverhills Park, Angel of Hope Park, Rogers Park, and Rivercrest Park.

River Crossings

Crossing Carries Image Location Coordinates
Headwaters 28°16′28″N 82°05′38″W / 28.27444°N 82.09389°W / 28.27444; -82.09389
140024 US 98.svg US 98 NWB US 98 over Hillsborough River.JPG Branchborough 28°16′18″N 82°05′53″W / 28.27167°N 82.09806°W / 28.27167; -82.09806
140009 CR 54 EB Pasco CR 54 Bridge over Hillsborough River.JPG 28°15′33″N 82°06′18″W / 28.25917°N 82.10500°W / 28.25917; -82.10500
CSX Rail Bridge CSX transp logo.svg Vitis Subdivision 28°14′09″N 82°06′59″W / 28.23583°N 82.11639°W / 28.23583; -82.11639
CSX Rail Bridge CSX transp logo.svg Yeoman Subdivision 28°11′45″N 82°09′39″W / 28.19583°N 82.16083°W / 28.19583; -82.16083
140007 Florida 39.svg SR 39
Buchman Highway
NB FL 39 over Hillsborough River (Close-Up).JPG Corvilla 28°11′35″N 82°09′54″W / 28.19306°N 82.16500°W / 28.19306; -82.16500
144002 Crystal Springs Road SB Crystal Springs Road over Hillsborough River.JPG Crystal Springs 28°11′09″N 82°11′03″W / 28.18583°N 82.18417°W / 28.18583; -82.18417
Where Blackwater Creek joins Thonotosassa 28°09′03″N 82°12′56″W / 28.15083°N 82.21556°W / 28.15083; -82.21556
Former ACL Railroad Bridge Tampa and Thonotosassa Railroad Fort Foster
100434 US 301.svg US 301 NB US 301 near Hillsborough River Bridge.JPG 28°09′00″N 82°13′16″W / 28.15000°N 82.22111°W / 28.15000; -82.22111
Where New River joins Hillsborough River
State Park
Where Flint Creek joins 28°04′58″N 82°17′07″W / 28.08278°N 82.28528°W / 28.08278; -82.28528
Morris Bridge
100026
Hillsborough County Road 579 FL.svg CR 579
Morris Bridge Road
NB Morris Bridge Road over Hillsborough River.JPG Pine Ridge Estates 28°05′55″N 82°18′41″W / 28.09861°N 82.31139°W / 28.09861; -82.31139
Water control structure Hillsborough River SP Main Trail Temple Terrace 28°05′18″N 82°21′06″W / 28.08833°N 82.35167°W / 28.08833; -82.35167
100387/100388 I-75.svg Interstate 75 28°05′14″N 82°21′14″W / 28.08722°N 82.35389°W / 28.08722; -82.35389
100276 Hillsborough County Road 582A FL.svg CR 582A
Fletcher Avenue
EB Fletcher Avenue Bridge over Hillsborough River from Sidewalk.JPG 28°04′09″N 82°22′38″W / 28.06917°N 82.37722°W / 28.06917; -82.37722
100084/100402 Florida 582.svg SR 582
Fowler Avenue
EB FL 582 over Hillsborough River.JPG 28°03′15″N 82°21′51″W / 28.05417°N 82.36417°W / 28.05417; -82.36417
104143/104144 Florida 580.svg SR 580
Temple Terrace Highway/Bullard Parkway
EB Hillsborough CR 580 over Hillsborough River.JPG 28°01′57″N 82°22′54″W / 28.03250°N 82.38167°W / 28.03250; -82.38167
Tampa Bypass Canal 28°01′05″N 82°22′32″W / 28.01806°N 82.37556°W / 28.01806; -82.37556
56th Street Bridge
100267/100268
Florida 583.svg SR 583
N 56th Street
New Temple Terrace entry tower, 56th Street.jpg 28°01′28″N 82°23′36″W / 28.02444°N 82.39333°W / 28.02444; -82.39333
40th Street Bridge
104504
Hillsborough County Road 585A FL.svg CR 585A
N 40th Street
NE View of Hillsborough River from North 40th Street Bridge.JPG Del Rio 28°00′34″N 82°24′53″W / 28.00944°N 82.41472°W / 28.00944; -82.41472
Hillsborough River Dam Tampa 28°01′27″N 82°25′42″W / 28.02417°N 82.42833°W / 28.02417; -82.42833
Rowlett Park Drive Bridge
100086
Rowlett Park Drive Blurry NB View; Rowlett Park Drive Bridge.JPG 28°01′19″N 82°26′06″W / 28.02194°N 82.43500°W / 28.02194; -82.43500
CSX Rail Bridge CSX transp logo.svg Clearwater Subdivision CSX Clearwater Subdivision over Hillsborough River.JPG 28°01′19″N 82°26′07″W / 28.02194°N 82.43528°W / 28.02194; -82.43528
Former Van Dyke Street Bridge Van Dyke Street (now North and South Van Dyke Place) Former Van Dyke Street Bridge; Southbound.jpg
Nebraska Avenue Bridge
100001
US 41.svg US 41
Nebraska Avenue
SB US 41 Hillsborough River Bridge.JPG 28°01′12″N 82°27′04″W / 28.02000°N 82.45111°W / 28.02000; -82.45111
100217/100218 I-275.svg Interstate 275 NB US BUS 41 Bridge; East View of I-275.JPG 28°01′13″N 82°27′19″W / 28.02028°N 82.45528°W / 28.02028; -82.45528
James N. Holmes Bridge
100069
Business plate.svg Business US 41
US 41.svg Florida Avenue
NB US BUS 41 Bridge & SSWT.JPG 28°01′16″N 82°27′34″W / 28.02111°N 82.45944°W / 28.02111; -82.45944
Sumter L. Lowry Bridge
105602
Sligh Avenue Sligh Avenue Bridge; South Side.JPG 28°00′38″N 82°27′54″W / 28.01056°N 82.46500°W / 28.01056; -82.46500
Hillsborough River Bridge
(drawbridges) 100618/100920
US 92.svg US 92
Hillsborough Avenue
Hillsborough Avenue Bridge.jpg 27°59′46″N 82°27′56″W / 27.99611°N 82.46556°W / 27.99611; -82.46556
Paul H. Smith Bridge
100500
Florida 574.svg SR 574
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
FL 574 Hillsborough River Bridge.JPG 27°58′53″N 82°28′32″W / 27.98139°N 82.47556°W / 27.98139; -82.47556
Columbus Drive Swing Span
105504
Columbus Drive Columbus Drive Swing Span Bridge from North Riverside Drive.JPG 27°58′00″N 82°28′30″W / 27.96667°N 82.47500°W / 27.96667; -82.47500
Eugene Holtsinger Bridge
105600
North Boulevard Eugene Holtsinger Bridge; Northbound.JPG 27°57′37″N 82°28′05″W / 27.96028°N 82.46806°W / 27.96028; -82.46806
100135/100136 I-275.svg Interstate 275 I-275 Hillsborough River Bridge; Downtown Tampa-2.JPG 27°57′23″N 82°27′52″W / 27.95639°N 82.46444°W / 27.95639; -82.46444
Fortune Street Bridge (drawbridge)
105503
Laurel Street Fortune Street Drawbridge; Southwest from Green Street; Downtown Tampa.JPG 27°57′16″N 82°27′54″W / 27.95444°N 82.46500°W / 27.95444; -82.46500
Cass Street Drawbridge
105502
Cass Street WB Cass Street Drawbridge.JPG 27°57′01″N 82°27′54″W / 27.95028°N 82.46500°W / 27.95028; -82.46500
CSX Rail Bridge CSX transp logo.svg Tampa Terminal Subdivision (Port Tampa Spur) CSX Port Tampa Spur Bridge from Cass Street Bridge.JPG 27°57′00″N 82°27′54″W / 27.95000°N 82.46500°W / 27.95000; -82.46500
Kennedy Drawbridge
100100
Florida 60.svg SR 60
Kennedy Boulevard
Kennedy Bridge; Tampa Riverwalk (MacDill Park Pavilion).jpg 27°56′48″N 82°27′40″W / 27.94667°N 82.46111°W / 27.94667; -82.46111
Brorein Street Drawbridge
105501
Brorein Street Brorein Street Drawbridge; Tampa-8.JPG 27°56′36″N 82°27′32″W / 27.94333°N 82.45889°W / 27.94333; -82.45889
Crosstown Viaduct
100332/100333
Toll Florida 618.svg SR 618
Lee Roy Selmon Expressway
Downtowntampa08.jpg 27°56′35″N 82°27′32″W / 27.94306°N 82.45889°W / 27.94306; -82.45889
Platt Street Drawbridge
105550
Platt Street Platt Street Drawbridge; Tampa-7.JPG 27°56′30″N 82°27′30″W / 27.94167°N 82.45833°W / 27.94167; -82.45833
Where Seddon Channel and Garrison Channel join 27°56′26″N 82°27′30″W / 27.94056°N 82.45833°W / 27.94056; -82.45833
Plant Street Bridge
105606
Davis Boulevard
Plant Avenue
27°56′17″N 82°27′42″W / 27.93806°N 82.46167°W / 27.93806; -82.46167
Hyde Park Avenue Bridge
105625
Davis Boulevard
Hyde Park Avenue
27°56′13.8″N 82°27′44.2″W / 27.937167°N 82.462278°W / 27.937167; -82.462278
Mouth 27°56′16″N 82°27′43″W / 27.93778°N 82.46194°W / 27.93778; -82.46194

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