Paxton Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paxton Creek |
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View of Paxton Creek from Maclay Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, near the Pennsylvania Farm Show.
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 Location of the mouth of Paxton Creek in Pennsylvania
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Dauphin |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Linglestown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 1,220 ft (370 m) 40°21′29″N 76°48′9″W / 40.35806°N 76.80250°W |
| River mouth | Susquehanna River Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania 292 ft (89 m) 40°14′35″N 76°51′50″W / 40.24306°N 76.86389°W |
| Length | 13.9 mi (22.4 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 27.4 sq mi (71 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Paxton Creek is a small but important stream, or tributary, that flows into the Susquehanna River in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. It's about 13.9-mile-long (22.4 km), which is roughly the distance of a short bike ride! This creek plays a big role in the local environment and history of the area.
About Paxton Creek
Paxton Creek is located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It starts from two smaller branches on the southern slopes of Blue Mountain. These branches come together to form the main part of the creek in Lower Paxton Township.
Where Paxton Creek Flows
The area that drains into Paxton Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 27.4 square miles (71 km2). Think of a watershed like a giant bowl where all the rain and snow that falls eventually flows into one main river or stream. For Paxton Creek, all the water in this 27.4 square mile area ends up in the creek.
As the creek flows, it forms a beautiful spot called Wildwood Lake in Susquehanna Township. Further downstream, as it reaches Harrisburg, parts of the creek become a concrete channel. This means the creek's banks and bottom are lined with concrete. This is done to help control urban runoff (rainwater that flows over city streets and picks up pollution) and prevent flooding in the city.
What's in a Name?
The name "Paxton" comes from an older name, "Paxtang". This name has roots in the Susquehannock language, an Indigenous language. The term "Peshtank" means "where the waters stand" or "the place of springs". This name perfectly describes how the creek begins from many small springs and pools of water.
Tributaries
A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one. Paxton Creek has a few important tributaries that add water to it. These include:
- Asylum Run
- Black Run
Images for kids
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Paxton Creek flowing under U.S. Route 22 in Wildwood Park
