O'Sullivan River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids O’Sullivan |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unidentified lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 405 m (1,329 ft) 48°44′48″N 76°25′39″W / 48.74667°N 76.42750°W |
| River mouth | Lake Waswanipi Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 267 m (876 ft) 49°27′57″N 76°28′05″W / 49.46583°N 76.46806°W |
| Length | 101.3 km (62.9 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The O'Sullivan River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It is about 101.3 km (62.9 mi) long. The river flows into Lake Waswanipi, which is part of the James Bay drainage system. This means its waters eventually reach James Bay. The O'Sullivan River travels through different areas in Quebec, including the Abitibi Regional County Municipality and Eeyou Istchee James Bay.
The river's path goes through several townships. These include Charrette, Adhémar, Labrie, Ralleau, Ruette, Benoit, Duplessis, and Bossé.
River's Surroundings
The O'Sullivan River is surrounded by other important bodies of water. These are called its hydrographic slopes.
- To the north, you'll find Lake Waswanipi and the Waswanipi River.
- To the east are the Wetetnagami River and the Mégiscane River.
- To the south, there's Louison Lake and the Delestres River.
- To the west, you'll see Mossant Creek, the Lecompte River, and the Robin River (Parent Lake).
Where the River Starts
The O'Sullivan River begins in a small, unnamed lake. This lake is about 1.8 kilometres (1.1 mi) long. It is located southeast of Castonguay Lake and north of Louison Lake. The starting lake is also about 75 kilometres (47 mi) northeast of Senneterre (parish). About 15 smaller lakes feed into this starting lake.
The River's Journey
From its starting lake, the O'Sullivan River flows through several lakes and sections:
- It flows about 9.6 kilometres (6.0 mi) west, then north, reaching Castonguay Lake. The river then flows north through Castonguay Lake for its full length of 10.7 kilometres (6.6 mi).
- Next, it travels 3.9 kilometres (2.4 mi) north to Gaillard Lake. The river crosses this lake for about 2.2 kilometres (1.4 mi) to the northeast.
- It continues 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) north to Butterfly Lake. Here, the river flows north for 1.8 kilometres (1.1 mi).
- The river then goes 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) north to the "Lake of the Line." It flows north through this lake for 9.4 kilometres (5.8 mi).
- After that, it flows 3.0 kilometres (1.9 mi) north to Novellet Lake. The river flows 5.3 kilometres (3.3 mi) north through Novellet Lake. Lake Novellet also receives water from Sheilann Lake.
- The river then flows 26.8 kilometres (16.7 mi) northwest.
- It continues 7.7 kilometres (4.8 mi) north and west to Puticamica Lake. The river flows west through Puticamica Lake for 7.1 kilometres (4.4 mi).
- Finally, it flows 9.0 kilometres (5.6 mi) north to Lake Waswanipi. The O'Sullivan River flows through Lake Waswanipi for 18.1 kilometres (11.2 mi) before joining the Waswanipi River.
How the River Got Its Name
Long ago, the native people called this river "Pusticamica."
Later, the name "Rivière O'Sullivan" was chosen. This was done to honor Henry O'Sullivan (1845-1912). Henry O'Sullivan was a very important person. He studied at Laval University and became a land surveyor, geologist, and explorer. He worked for the Department of Lands and Forests. O'Sullivan explored many parts of Quebec, including Labrador, Gaspésie, and much of Nord-du-Québec.
The name O'Sullivan River became official on December 5, 1968. This was decided by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a special committee that names places in Quebec.
