North Branch Raritan River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids North Branch Raritan River |
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Near the source in Mendham Borough
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Jersey |
| Region | Morris County Somerset County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mendham Borough 40°47′16″N 74°35′43″W / 40.78778°N 74.59528°W |
| River mouth | Raritan River Branchburg 40°33′20″N 74°41′15″W / 40.55556°N 74.68750°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Raritan River |
The North Branch Raritan River is a smaller river that flows into the main Raritan River in central New Jersey, United States. It is like a "tributary," which means it's a stream or river that flows into a larger river.
This river starts in Morris County, near Mendham Commons Pond in Mendham Borough. It flows mostly south into Somerset County. The river goes around the southern part of the Watchung Mountains.
Contents
Where the Rivers Meet
At its end, the North Branch Raritan River forms a border between Bridgewater and Branchburg Townships. It then meets the South Branch Raritan River. When these two rivers join, they form the main Raritan River. From this meeting point, the main Raritan River flows towards the east.
Historic Names for the Confluence
The area where the North and South Branches meet has a rich history. The Lenape people, who lived there long ago, called this spot "Tucca-Ramma-Hacking." This name means "the flowing together of water."
Early European settlers had their own name for it: "Two Bridges." This name came from two bridges built in 1733. These bridges met at a small island in the North Branch. Over time, this island has washed away. Today, people usually call this area "The Confluence." This word means a place where two rivers flow together.
A Reservoir Idea
In the 1970s, there was a plan to build a large water storage area called the Raritan Confluence Reservoir. However, this plan was put aside. The cost of buying the land needed for the reservoir was too high.
Why "North" and "South" Branch?
Both the North and South Branches of the Raritan River flow generally south. They run almost side-by-side, one to the east and one to the west. They get their names from the direction they flow from when they meet. The North Branch comes from the north, and the South Branch comes from the south.
North Branch Village
The river also gives its name to a small community called North Branch. This village is located on both sides of the river. It sits in both Branchburg and Bridgewater Townships.
Smaller Streams that Join the River
Many smaller streams and brooks flow into the North Branch Raritan River. These are also called tributaries. Here are some of them:
- Black River
- Burnett Brook
- Chambers Brook
- Clucas Brook
- India Brook
- Larger Brook
- Lamington River
- McVickers Brook
- Middle Brook (Bedminster)
- Mine Brook
- Moggy Brook
- Peapack Brook
- Penns Brook
- Stewart Brook
Images for kids
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Flowing through Bedminster
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Confluence of the North Branch and the South Branch with the Raritan River
