Holliday Creek (Wichita River tributary) facts for kids

Holliday Creek is a stream in Texas. It flows through Archer and Wichita counties. This creek is an important waterway in the area.

What is Holliday Creek?

Holliday Creek starts in the western part of Archer County, Texas. It then flows across Archer County. After that, it enters Wichita County.

Where Does It Flow?

The creek flows into Lake Wichita. This lake is a popular spot for fun. After leaving Lake Wichita, the creek goes through the city of Wichita Falls, Texas. Finally, Holliday Creek empties into the Wichita River. The Wichita River is a smaller river that eventually joins the Red River.

A Look Back: History of the Creek

Holliday Creek has a long history. It is connected to the early days of Texas.

How It Got Its Name

The creek was named after an early explorer. His name was Captain John Holliday. He once carved his name on a tree right by the creek. The town of Holliday, Texas, was named after the creek. Also, Holliday Street in Wichita Falls is named after it.

The Great Flood and Lake Wichita

In the 1890s, Holliday Creek had a big flood. This flood caused problems in Wichita Falls. A local businessman named Joseph A. Kemp wanted to help. He decided to make a large reservoir. A reservoir is like a big storage area for water.

In 1901, Joseph Kemp helped create Lake Wichita. He had the lake "dredged." This means the bottom of the lake was dug out to make it deeper. Lake Wichita was built to store water for farms. It also became a place for people to have fun.

Keeping the Creek Safe: Flood Control

To help prevent future floods, a special project was done. This project was completed around 1998. It was a "federally funded flood control project." This means the United States government helped pay for it. The project helps manage the creek's water. It makes sure the creek is safer for the city of Wichita Falls.