Jacobs Creek (Youghiogheny River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jacobs Creek |
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Creek Falls (Chaintown, PA)
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Location of Jacobs Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Youghiogheny River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Counties | Westmoreland, PA, Fayette, PA |
| Cities | Scottdale, PA, Mt. Pleasant, PA |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Green Lick Run divide about 1 mile south Bear Rocks, Pennsylvania 2,070 ft (630 m) 40°05′58″N 079°27′02″W / 40.09944°N 79.45056°W |
| River mouth | Youghiogheny River Jacobs Creek, Westmoreland, PA 761 ft (232 m) 40°07′37″N 79°44′35″W / 40.12694°N 79.74306°W |
| Length | 31.73 mi (51.06 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | generally east |
| River system | Monongahela River |
| Basin size | 94.81 square miles (245.6 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Bridgeport Reservoir |
Jacobs Creek is a stream in Pennsylvania, about 33.4-mile-long (53.8 km). It starts in Acme and flows into the Youghiogheny River near the town of Jacobs Creek. This creek forms the border between Westmoreland County and Fayette County. For many years, the area around Jacobs Creek was known for making rye whiskey.
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Exploring Jacobs Creek
Jacobs Creek is also known as Jacob's Creek. It flows through a deep valley, especially between Chaintown and where it meets the Youghiogheny River. This valley shows many interesting rock formations.
The valley of Jacobs Creek has been home to people for a very long time. Early settlers arrived here around 1768. This was after the Treaty of Fort Stanwix opened up western Pennsylvania for settlement.
Early Settlements and Industries
The first settlers needed important supplies like salt and iron. These were hard to get and very expensive back then. So, people in the valley started making their own. This led to early industries like salt and iron production.
The valley also features two beautiful waterfalls: Freeman Falls and Creek Falls.
History of Jacobs Creek Valley
Jacobs Creek gets its name from a Native American leader called Chief Jacob. The valley is rich in history, from early colonial times to the industrial era.
Alliance Furnace
One important historical site is the Alliance Furnace. This is the oldest iron furnace still standing west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was built before 1789 and started operating in 1802.
Farming and Whiskey Production
In the 1790s, many Mennonite farmers came to the Jacobs Creek area. One of them was Henry Oberholtzer, whose name was later changed to Overholt. In 1800, Henry and his son Abraham started a farm. They grew rye, which they used to make whiskey. This whiskey later became famous as Old Overholt. Western Pennsylvania was a major center for making rye whiskey before a time known as Prohibition.
Other Industries and Events
Besides farming and whiskey, other industries thrived in the valley. These included salt mills, grist mills (for grinding grain), coke ovens (for making fuel), and mining for coal and iron ore.
Sadly, on December 19, 1907, a serious accident happened at the Darr Coal Mine.
Fun Activities at Jacobs Creek
Jacobs Creek is a great place for outdoor activities.
- Fishing: You can fish for smallmouth bass and trout.
- Kayaking: During certain seasons, the creek is popular for whitewater kayaking.
- Swimming: It's also a nice spot for swimming.
Kayaking Routes
Different parts of the creek offer various levels of difficulty for kayaking:
- Acme to Laurelville: This section has challenging rapids, rated as Class III-IV.
- Chaintown to Youghiogheny River: This part is a bit easier, rated as Class II-III.
- Freeman Falls: This waterfall is for experienced kayakers, rated Class IV.
- Creek Falls: This is a very difficult waterfall, rated Class V Backwards U-Type Waterfall.
