Lahaska Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lahaska Creek |
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| Native name | Lackawissa, Lahaskeekee |
| Other name(s) | Randalls Creek, Randalls Run, Randals Run |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Bucks |
| Township | Solebury Township, Buckingham Township |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 310 feet (94 m) 40°21′25″N 75°1′58″W / 40.35694°N 75.03278°W |
| River mouth | 210 feet (64 m) 40°18′47″N 75°3′23″W / 40.31306°N 75.05639°W |
| Length | 3.04 miles (4.89 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Lahaska Creek → Mill Creek → Neshaminy Creek → Delaware River → Delaware Bay |
| River system | Delaware River |
| Basin size | 6.97 square miles (18.1 km2) |
| Landmarks | Holicong Park |
| Slope | 32.89 feet per mile (6.229 m/km) |
Lahaska Creek is a small stream located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It's a branch of Mill Creek, which eventually flows into the Delaware River. The creek is also known by its older names, Lackawissa or Lahaskeekee.
Contents
What is the History of Lahaska Creek?
Early Inhabitants and Mills
Long ago, the Lenape Native Americans lived in this area. They called the creek "Lackawissa" or "Lahaskeekee," which meant "the place of much writing." This name might refer to markings or symbols found near the water.
In 1718, a man named Richard Mitchell bought about 70 acres of land by the creek. He built a mill there, which was a building that used the creek's water power to grind grain. Later, another mill called Rush Valley Mills replaced it. Over time, other people like Eldad Roberts and Joseph Watson owned the mill.
Where Does Lahaska Creek Flow?
The Creek's Journey Through Townships
Lahaska Creek starts in Solebury Township from a small pond. It flows for a short distance, then enters Buckingham Township.
As it travels, the creek changes direction, flowing southwest, then south, and then southwest again. Along its path, it passes through five more ponds. Two smaller streams also join Lahaska Creek, adding to its flow. Finally, Lahaska Creek meets Watson Creek, and together they form Mill Creek.
What Kind of Rocks Are Near Lahaska Creek?
Understanding the Local Geology
The land around Lahaska Creek is part of a larger area called the Atlantic Plain, specifically the Piedmont Province. This means the ground is made up of different types of rocks that formed over millions of years.
Rocks at the Creek's Start
Where Lahaska Creek begins, you'll find rocks from the Triassic period. These rocks are called Stockton conglomerate. They are made of a mix of small, rounded stones (called conglomerate) and sandy rock (called sandstone). Most of these rocks are made of a mineral called quartz.
Rocks Along the Main Flow
As the creek flows, it quickly moves into an area with rocks from the Stockton Formation, also from the Triassic period. This formation includes different kinds of sandstone, shale (a soft, layered rock), siltstone, and mudstone.
For a very short distance, the creek passes through a small section of the Beekmantown Group. These rocks are from the Ordovician period and are mostly limestone mixed with dolomite and chert.
Main Rock Types Along the Creek
Most of Lahaska Creek flows over rocks from the Allentown Formation, which formed during the Cambrian period. This formation is mainly made of dolomite and a type of limestone that isn't perfectly pure. You might also find siltstone with calcium carbonate, tiny round grains called oolites, and layered structures made by ancient microbes called stromatolites.
Which Towns Does Lahaska Creek Flow Through?
Lahaska Creek flows through two main townships:
- Solebury Township
- Buckingham Township
What Bridges Cross Lahaska Creek?
Several roads and bridges cross over Lahaska Creek:
- Pennsylvania Route 413 (also known as Durham Road)
- Quarry Road
- Holicong Road (which is local route 391)
- U.S. Route 202 (also known as Pennsylvania Route 263 or York Road). There's a concrete bridge here that was built in 1992.
- Carousel Lane
- Hickory Hollow Lane
- Street Road
