Pike Creek (Current River tributary) facts for kids
Pike Creek is a small waterway, also known as a stream, located in the southern part of Missouri. It flows through two counties: Shannon County and Carter County. This stream is found in a beautiful area called the Ozarks. Pike Creek is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. In this case, it flows into the Current River.
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About Pike Creek's Journey
Where Pike Creek Starts
Pike Creek begins its journey in Shannon County. The place where a stream starts is called its "headwaters." You can think of it as the stream's birthplace. The exact starting point is at coordinates 37°00′06″N 91°23′57″W / 37.00167°N 91.39917°W. This spot is just east of a town called Bartlett and north of a main road, U.S. Route 60.
Pike Creek's Path
From its starting point, Pike Creek flows generally towards the east. As it travels, it passes under Missouri Route 19 near the town of Winona. The stream's path often runs alongside U.S. Route 60, going past small communities like Low Wassie and Fremont.
The stream enters Carter County after passing Low Wassie. Near Fremont, Pike Creek makes some very tight, winding turns. These turns are called "incised meanders," which means the stream has cut deeply into the land over time, creating these curvy shapes. It flows past the old site of the Midco Iron Works.
Where Pike Creek Ends
Pike Creek finishes its journey when it joins the Current River. The place where two rivers or streams meet is called a "confluence." This meeting point is in Carter County, near the town of Van Buren. The exact location of this meeting is at coordinates 36°59′40″N 91°01′16″W / 36.99444°N 91.02111°W.
How Pike Creek Got Its Name
The name "Pike" for this creek might make you wonder where it came from! While there are different ideas, the State Historical Society of Missouri believes the most likely reason is because of a type of fish. It's thought that pike fish were found living in the stream, and that's how it got its name.
