Mosquito Creek (Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mosquito Creek |
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This excerpt from the Lewis and Clark map of 1814 shows the rivers of southwest Iowa, southeast Nebraska, and northwest Missouri. "Musquito River" is seen at the upper left.
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| Country | US |
| State | Iowa |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 41°48′18″N 95°22′44″W / 41.805°N 95.379°W |
| River mouth | 41°10′34″N 95°50′25″W / 41.176°N 95.8402°W |
Mosquito Creek is a river in the southwestern part of Iowa, a state in the United States. It flows for about 60 miles (97 kilometers) and is an important branch, or tributary, of the much larger Missouri River.
This creek starts its journey near a town called Earling in Shelby County. From there, it generally flows towards the southwest. It eventually joins the Missouri River about 5 miles (8 kilometers) downstream from the city of Council Bluffs.
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What's in a Name?
Mosquito Creek got its interesting name from early settlers who explored the area. These pioneers, including members of the Mormon faith, were traveling through the region. When they camped near the creek, they found a huge number of mosquitoes. Because of this, they decided to call the stream "Mosquito River," which later became Mosquito Creek.
Where Does Mosquito Creek Flow?
Mosquito Creek travels through a few different counties in Iowa. It begins in Shelby County, then continues its path through Harrison County. Finally, it flows through Pottawattamie County before reaching the Missouri River.
The Missouri River Connection
The Missouri River is one of the longest rivers in North America. Mosquito Creek's waters eventually join this mighty river. The Missouri River then flows into the Mississippi River, and finally, all these waters reach the Gulf of Mexico. This shows how even smaller creeks are part of a huge natural water system.
Why Are Creeks Important?
Creeks like Mosquito Creek are vital parts of our environment. They provide homes for many kinds of plants and animals. They also help carry water from rain and melting snow across the land. This water then feeds into larger rivers, which are important for drinking water, transportation, and even generating electricity.
