Pequea Creek facts for kids
The Pequea Creek, pronounced PECK-way, is a stream in Pennsylvania that flows into the mighty Susquehanna River. It stretches for about 49 miles (79 km) from the eastern part of Lancaster County and Chester County, Pennsylvania. The creek ends near the village of Pequea, which is about 5 miles (8 km) upstream from the Holtwood Dam on the Susquehanna River.
Discovering Pequea Creek
What's in a Name?
The name "Pequea" comes from the Shawnee language. The Shawnee people were a Native American tribe. In their language, "Pequea" means "dust" or "ashes." This name referred to a specific clan of the Shawnee tribe. This clan once lived right at the mouth of the creek, where it joins the Susquehanna River.
The Journey of the Creek
The Pequea Creek flows through a beautiful, open countryside. This area is mostly farmland. Many Pennsylvania German farmers work these lands. These farmers are often members of groups like the Mennonites, the Amish, or German-speaking Reformed churches.
For most of its journey, the creek flows quite calmly and flat. However, the last 2.5 miles (4 km) are different. Here, the creek enters a steeper, wooded area. It changes from a peaceful stream into a fast-moving, twisting waterway. This continues until the very last mile, where the water slows down again. This final section is influenced by the Susquehanna River, creating a calm backwater area.
The "Peckwayers"
The Old Order Amish are a group of people who live a simple life. They have a strong connection to their community and traditions. Historically, the Old Order Amish who lived along the Pequea Creek had a special nickname. They were called Peckwayers. This helped to tell them apart from other Amish communities. For example, there were Amish who lived along the Conestoga River watershed. The "Peckwayers" were unique to the Pequea Creek area.
