Patterson Creek facts for kids
Patterson Creek is a stream in West Virginia, about 51.2 miles (82.4 km) long. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. Patterson Creek joins the North Branch Potomac River in the eastern part of West Virginia, near Cumberland, Maryland. The creek starts way back in Grant County, West Virginia. It's a very important waterway because it collects water for about two-thirds of Mineral County, West Virginia. As it flows, Patterson Creek passes through several towns, including Lahmansville, Forman, Medley, Williamsport, Burlington, Headsville, Reeses Mill, Champwood, and Fort Ashby.
The Story Behind the Name
Patterson Creek probably got its name from a local family called Patterson who lived nearby a long time ago. The spot where Patterson Creek meets the North Branch Potomac River was once known as Patterson Depot. A "depot" is a place where trains stop, so it might have been an important train station or storage area back then.
Smaller Streams Joining Patterson Creek
Just like a tree has branches, a creek can have smaller streams that flow into it. These are called tributaries.
- Mill Creek is one of the streams that flows into Patterson Creek.
Bridges Over Patterson Creek
Many bridges cross over Patterson Creek, helping people and vehicles get from one side to the other. Here are some of the important bridges:
| Bridge Name | Road or Route | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Rada Road Bridge | Rada Road | About 2 miles south of Burlington |
| Northwestern Turnpike Bridge | US 50 | In Burlington |
| Fort Cocke Bridge | Cabin Run Road | In Headsville |
| Camp Minco Bridge | Patterson Creek Road | At Camp Minco |
| West Virginia Route 46 Bridge | WV 46 | Where WV 46 meets Patterson Creek Road |
| George Run Road Bridge | George Run | About 5 miles east of Fort Ashby |
| William E. Shuck Memorial Bridge | WV 28 | In Fort Ashby |
| Low Water Bridge | Dan's Run Road | In Patterson Creek |
| B&O Railroad Bridge | B&O Main Line | In Patterson Creek |
