Jericho Creek (Delaware River tributary) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jericho Creek
Jericho Creek
Native name	Towssisink
Other name(s)	Bakers Creek, Knowles Creek
Country	United States
State	Pennsylvania
County	Bucks
Township	Wrightstown, Upper Makefield
Physical characteristics
Main source	260 feet (79 m) 40°17′13″N 74°59′53″W / 40.28694°N 74.99806°W / 40.28694; -74.99806
River mouth	43 feet (13 m) 40°18′51″N 74°59′9″W / 40.31417°N 74.98583°W / 40.31417; -74.98583
Length	6.12 miles (9.85 km)
Basin features
Progression	Jericho Creek → Delaware River → Delaware Bay
River system	Delaware River
Basin size	9.63 square miles (24.9 km2)
Landmarks	Jericho Mountain
Bridges	Pennsylvania Route 232 (Windy Bush Road) Thompson Mill Road Pineville Road Eagle Road Brownsburg Road East Stoneybrook Road Pennsylvania Route 32 (River Road) Pennsylvania Canal (Delaware Division) and towpath
Slope	35.46 feet per mile (6.716 m/km)

Jericho Creek is a small stream in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's also known by other names like Towssisink (its original Lenape name), Bakers Creek, and Knowles Creek. This creek starts in Wrightstown Township and flows into the Delaware River in Upper Makefield Township. It's an important part of the local environment and history.

History of Jericho Creek

Jericho Creek is named after a nearby mountain. It played a role in the early history of Pennsylvania.

Land Purchases and Boundaries

In 1682, Jericho Creek helped mark the edge of land bought by William Penn. Penn was the founder of Pennsylvania. He bought land from the Lenape people. This first purchase was a "day and a half's walk" along the Delaware River. It was a relaxed walk with breaks.

Later, in 1737, the creek became the southern border for a different land deal. This was called the "Walking Purchase." This walk was much faster and covered more ground.

Other Names for the Creek

The creek was first called Bakers Creek. This name came from Henry Baker, who was a Justice of the Peace. He might have owned land there before 1682. In the 1800s, some maps showed the creek as Knowles Creek.

Where Jericho Creek Flows

Jericho Creek begins in Wrightstown Township, Pennsylvania. It generally flows towards the east. It eventually joins the Delaware River. The area of land that drains into Jericho Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 9.63 square miles (24.9 km²).

Townships Jericho Creek Passes Through

Jericho Creek flows through parts of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

• Upper Makefield Township
• Wrightstown Township

Bridges Over Jericho Creek

Many roads cross over Jericho Creek. Here are some of the main bridges: