Pimmit Run facts for kids

Pimmit Run in fall

Pimmit Run is a stream about 7.8 miles (12.6 kilometers) long in northern Virginia. It starts in Fairfax County and flows into the Potomac River near Chain Bridge in Arlington County.

Where Does Pimmit Run Flow?

Pimmit Run begins south of Leesburg Pike (also known as State Route 7) in an area called Idylwood, Virginia. This is close to George C. Marshall High School.

Originally, the stream flowed above ground for its entire length. However, as more buildings and roads were built, some parts of the stream were moved underground. Today, the section south of Leesburg Pike flows hidden beneath the ground.

After crossing Leesburg Pike, Pimmit Run comes to the surface. It then flows openly past the neighborhood of Pimmit Hills. In the early 1970s, the part of the stream next to Pimmit Hills was made wider and lined with concrete. This was done to help prevent flooding in the area.

Pimmit Run's Journey to the Potomac

From Pimmit Hills, Pimmit Run continues its journey northeast through a natural area called Pimmit Run Stream Valley Park. It then flows under the Dulles Toll Road and through the Devon Park and Chesterbrook Gardens neighborhoods.

The stream keeps winding its way northeast through more of Pimmit Run Stream Valley Park. Near a place called Westmont, a smaller stream called Little Pimmit Run joins it. From there, Pimmit Run flows alongside the George Washington Memorial Parkway before turning southeast and entering Arlington.

As it gets closer to the Potomac River, the stream runs next to Chain Bridge Road. It cuts through a hill known as the Arlington Bluff and finally empties into the Potomac River, just a short distance downstream from Chain Bridge.

How Pimmit Run Got Its Name

Pimmit Run was named after a man named John Pimmit. He lived in the area a long time ago, in the late 1600s. In 1675, John Pimmit worked for a person named William Fitzhugh. John Pimmit became a citizen in 1679.

Sadly, John Pimmit died in February 1688 when he drowned in the Potomac River. This happened near the mouth of the stream that would later be named after him. He had three children: John, Margaret, and William.

Other Streams Joining Pimmit Run

Many smaller streams flow into Pimmit Run along its path. These are called tributaries. Here are some of the tributaries that join Pimmit Run, listed from where Pimmit Run starts to where it ends:

• Bridge Branch
• Burke's Spring Branch
• Saucy Branch
• Bryan Branch
• Little Pimmit Run
• Stromans Branch

Pimmit Run has also been known by a few other names throughout history. These include:

• Pimmet's Run
• Catfish Run
• Upper Spout Run