Pease River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pease River |
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North Pease River in Cottle County
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Map of Red River and tributaries
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| Country |  United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of North and Middle Pease, Cottle County, Texas 1,538 ft (469 m) 34°14′20″N 100°07′27″W / 34.2389597°N 100.1242754°W |
| River mouth | Red River, Tillman County, Oklahoma 1,102 ft (336 m) 34°12′02″N 99°01′47″W / 34.2006436°N 99.0297969°W |
| Length | 100 mi (160 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Red River |
| Basin size | 760 sq mi (2,000 km2) |
The Pease River is a river in Texas, United States. It flows east through West Texas and is a branch of the larger Red River. The river was first explored and mapped in 1856 by Jacob de Córdova. He was surveying for a railroad company at the time. The river was named after Elisha M. Pease, who was the Governor of Texas.
In December 1860, an important event happened near the river. The Texas Rangers found and rescued Cynthia Ann Parker and her young daughter. They had been living with the Comanche Indians. This event is known as the Battle of Pease River.
The Pease River starts about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Paducah. This is in northern Cottle County. It then flows eastward for about 100 miles (160 km). The river ends where it joins the Red River, about 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Vernon. The river flows through flat land that can sometimes flood. This area has sandy and clay soils. Part of the river also forms the border between Hardeman and Foard Counties.
The Pease River has three main parts, or branches. These are the North Pease River, the Middle Pease River, and the Tongue River. The Tongue River is also called the South Pease River. Some people say the main river starts where all three branches meet. Others say it starts where only the North and Middle Pease Rivers join. However, maps show that the Tongue River flows into the Middle Pease River first. Then, the Middle Pease River meets the North Pease River.
North Pease River=
The North Pease River begins about 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Cedar Hill. This area is on the Caprock Escarpment in eastern Floyd County. It flows for about 60 miles (97 km) through Motley, Hall, and Cottle counties. It then meets the Middle Pease River.
This branch starts at a high point of 3,100 feet (940 m). It then drops over 1,500 feet (460 m) in elevation. The North Pease River cuts a wide, sandy path through mostly flat land. Much of the area it flows through is remote ranchland.
Middle Pease River
The Middle Pease River starts about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Matador. It forms where Mott and Boggy Creeks meet in western Motley County. This branch flows eastward for about 65 miles (105 km). It then joins the North Pease River in northeastern Cottle County.
The Middle Pease River also flows through flat, isolated ranch areas. The only town ever built on its banks was Tee Pee City. This town is now a ghost town, meaning no one lives there anymore. The state has created a large area called the Matador Wildlife Management Area. It covers 28,000-acre (110 km2) along the river in northwestern Cottle County. This area helps protect local wildlife.
Tongue River
The Tongue River is also known as the South Pease River. It is said to have been named after a disease called "black tongue." This disease killed many buffalo in the area long ago. The Tongue River begins about 11 miles (18 km) west of Roaring Springs. This is in southwestern Motley County.
It flows for 40 miles (64 km) east and northeast. It passes through rugged ranch and canyon lands. A natural feature called Roaring Springs (not the town) is about 4 miles (6.4 km) downstream from where the river starts. This spring was a popular meeting spot for Native Americans, cowboys, and other travelers. Today, a ranch club is located near the spring. This is where State Highway 70 crosses the river.
