Nansemond River facts for kids
The Nansemond River is a river in Virginia, United States. It is about 19.8 miles (31.9 kilometers) long. The Nansemond River flows into the James River, which is a much larger river. Early colonists in Virginia named this river after the Nansemond tribe. This Native American tribe lived in the area for a very long time. Today, the Nansemond tribe is still active and recognized by the U.S. government in Virginia.
Where the River Starts and Ends
The Nansemond River begins at the end of Lake Meade. This lake is located north of downtown Suffolk. In the past, this area was the northern edge of the city. The river then flows until it meets the James River. A special light, called the Nansemond River Light, used to mark where the two rivers joined.
Bridges Over the Nansemond
Several bridges cross the Nansemond River. One important bridge is the Nansemond River Bridge. This bridge is part of U.S. Route 17. It is located near where the river flows into the James River. This bridge used to collect tolls, meaning drivers had to pay to cross it. Two other bridges also cross the river. One connects to downtown Suffolk, and another is part of Route 58.
Protecting Nature Along the River
The Nansemond National Wildlife Refuge is a special place found along the Nansemond River. A wildlife refuge is an area set aside to protect wild animals and their homes. This refuge helps keep the natural environment healthy for many different plants and animals that live near the river.
