James Creek facts for kids
James Creek was a small river, also called a tributary, that once flowed into the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.. A tributary is a stream or river that flows into a larger stream or river. James Creek was located in the southwest part of the city. It was sometimes known as St. James' Creek. It might have been named after a local landowner named James Greenleaf.
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James Creek: A Hidden Waterway
James Creek started from several natural springs. These springs were located just south of Capitol Hill. The creek's path followed land owned by James Greenleaf. It ran in a line similar to where Delaware Avenue, SW, is today.
Where James Creek Flowed
The creek emptied into a small bay or cove along the Anacostia River. This spot is now near 1st Street SW. It was between two points of land: Greenleaf Point to the west and Buzzard Point to the east. South of I Street SW, the creek flowed through areas of tidal marshes. These are wetlands that are regularly covered by ocean tides.
How James Creek Changed Over Time
Over many years, James Creek was changed by human projects. By 1815, the upper part of the creek was included in the Washington City Canal. This canal also used the main part of Tiber Creek.
Later, from 1866 to 1876, the lower part of James Creek, which was affected by tides, was turned into the James Creek Canal. This canal was eventually buried underground between 1916 and 1917.
What Remains Today?
Even though James Creek is now hidden, its name lives on. Two places in Washington, D.C., are named after the old creek. One is James Creek, a property managed by the District of Columbia Housing Authority. The other is the James Creek Marina. This marina is located exactly where the creek used to flow into the Anacostia River.
