Lazaretto Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lazaretto Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Georgia |
| Region | Chatham County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Savannah River Chatham County, Georgia, United States 31°59′30″N 80°57′45″W / 31.99167°N 80.96250°W |
| River mouth | Atlantic Ocean Chatham County, Georgia, Georgia, United States 32°1′0″N 80°53′0″W / 32.01667°N 80.88333°W |
Lazaretto Creek is a small tidal river located in Chatham County, Georgia. It flows between Tybee Island and McQueens Island. This creek is special because its water level changes with the ocean's tides.
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The History of Lazaretto Creek
The name "Lazaretto Creek" comes from an old hospital. This hospital was built to help stop the spread of diseases.
Building a Quarantine Station
In the early days of the Georgia colony, leaders wanted to prevent sickness from spreading. They decided to build a special place called a "lazaretto," or quarantine station. A quarantine station is where people arriving on ships who might be sick are kept separate. This stops diseases from spreading to everyone else.
In 1767, a large piece of land on the western tip of Tybee Island was bought for this purpose. A year later, several hospitals were built there. People who arrived by ship and were ill received treatment at these hospitals.
The Creek's Name
The lazaretto was used until 1785. After some time, the buildings became old and worn out. So, new buildings were constructed on nearby Cockspur Island instead.
Even though the original hospital buildings are gone, Lazaretto Creek keeps its name. It serves as a reminder of this important medical facility from long ago.
Lazaretto Creek Today
Today, Lazaretto Creek is a busy waterway. A major road, U.S. Route 80, crosses over it.
The creek is also a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy fishing in its waters. It's also a great place for kayaking, offering a peaceful way to explore the area.
