North Anna River facts for kids
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The North Anna River is an important river in central Virginia, United States. It is about 62 miles (100 km) long. This river is a main branch, or tributary, of the Pamunkey River. The Pamunkey River then flows into the York River. Together, these rivers are part of the larger watershed that drains into Chesapeake Bay. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or bay.
Long ago, during the American Civil War, a major battle called the Battle of North Anna happened near this river. People have also known the river by other names, like "Northa-Anna." Sometimes, it was even called the main part of the Pamunkey River itself.
Where the River Flows
The North Anna River starts in western Orange County. It forms when several smaller streams join together. From there, it flows mostly towards the southeast.
The river helps mark the borders of several counties. It forms parts of the southern edges of Orange, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties. It also makes up parts of the northern edges of Louisa and Hanover counties.
The North Anna River eventually meets the South Anna River. When they join, they form the Pamunkey River. This meeting point is on the border between Caroline and Hanover counties. It is about 5 miles (8 km) northeast of the town of Ashland.
Lake Anna and Other Waters
A large dam called the North Anna Dam was built across the river. This dam is located where Louisa and Spotsylvania counties meet. Because of the dam, the river widens to form Lake Anna. This lake was created to provide water for the nearby North Anna Nuclear Generating Station, which is a power plant.
Close to where the North Anna River ends, it collects water from another river called the Little River. Other smaller streams that flow into the North Anna River include Pamunkey Creek and Contrary Creek.
