Pierson Creek (James River tributary)
Pierson Creek, also known as Pearson Creek, is a small river in southwest Missouri. It flows through Greene County, which is part of the beautiful Ozarks region. This creek is a tributary of the James River, meaning it flows into the James River and adds to its water.
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About Pierson Creek
Pierson Creek starts about two miles west of a town called Strafford. From its beginning, the creek flows south. It goes under a major highway, I-44, and then turns to the southwest.
Where Does Pierson Creek Flow?
As it continues its journey, Pierson Creek enters the eastern part of the city of Springfield. Here, it turns south again. The creek flows under several roads, including Cherry Street and Missouri Route D. Finally, Pierson Creek meets the James River. This meeting point is about three miles northeast of where two big roads, U.S. Route 60 and U.S. Route 65, cross in south Springfield.
How High is Pierson Creek?
The very beginning of a river or stream is called its headwaters. For Pierson Creek, the headwaters are at an elevation of about 1,438 feet (438 meters) above sea level. The place where Pierson Creek joins the James River is called its confluence. At this point, the elevation is about 1,155 feet (352 meters).
What is Pierson Limestone?
Pierson Creek is also important for geology! The area around the creek, especially near where it crosses Route D, is the type section for a type of rock called Pierson Limestone. A type section is like a special example place where scientists can study a specific kind of rock.
Who Was Jerry Pearson?
The creek was named after Jerry Pearson, who built a mill on the stream between 1828 and 1831. A mill is a building that uses the power of flowing water to grind grain into flour. Jerry Pearson got the right to use this land from the Delaware Indians.
