Irondequoit Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Irondequoit Creek |
|
|---|---|
Irondequoit Creek in the town of Penfield, New York.
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ontario Country, New York 42°55′49″N 77°31′40″W / 42.93028°N 77.52778°W |
| River mouth | Irondequoit Bay Monroe Country, New York 43°10′39″N 77°31′32″W / 43.17750°N 77.52556°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
|
Irondequoit Creek is a cool stream in eastern Monroe County, New York. It flows into Irondequoit Bay. This creek starts in a quiet area called West Bloomfield in Ontario County. It then travels north into Mendon, which is in Monroe County. As it goes, it picks up water from smaller streams. The creek then twists east back into Victor, Ontario County. After that, it heads north again into Monroe County. Here, it flows through towns like Perinton and Penfield before reaching the bay. It also passes near East Rochester.
Contents
How Irondequoit Creek Was Formed
Scientists believe Irondequoit Creek flows through a valley. This valley was carved out a very long time ago by a much bigger river. This ancient river was called the Genesee River. Back then, the Genesee River flowed into Lake Ontario where Irondequoit Bay is today.
The Ice Age's Impact
During the Ice Age, huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, covered the land. As these glaciers slowly melted and moved, they left behind lots of dirt and rocks. This material blocked the old path of the Genesee River. Because of this, the Genesee River had to find a new way to flow. This left the old valley with only the much smaller Irondequoit Creek.
Early Settlements and Mills
The first towns in Penfield started right along Irondequoit Creek. This was because the creek's water was perfect for running mills. Mills are places that use water power to grind grain or saw wood.
The Daisy Flour Mill
Many years ago, there were more than a dozen mills using the creek's water. Today, the Daisy Flour Mill is the only one left. It stands as a reminder of how important the creek was for early settlers.
The Erie Canal Challenge
The valley of Irondequoit Creek caused a big problem. It was a challenge for the engineers building the original Erie Canal. The Erie Canal was a huge waterway built to connect the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean.
Building the Great Embankment
To solve this problem, engineers had to build something amazing. They constructed a special bridge for the canal called the Great Embankment. This was a type of aqueduct. It helped the canal cross over the creek's valley near a place called Bushnell's Basin. It was a very clever solution for its time.
Fishing in Irondequoit Creek
Irondequoit Creek is a popular spot for fishing. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation helps keep it that way. They add fish to the creek every year. This means people can enjoy fishing there all year round.
