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Plum Run (Rock Creek tributary) facts for kids

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Plum Run (Rock Creek tributary)
1907 Taneytown Road.png
Plum Run generally flows west of both the Taneytown Road and Rock Creek.
Other name(s) Bloody Run
Country United States
State Pennsylvania
Region Adams County
Township Cumberland
Physical characteristics
Main source Field of Pickett's Charge
Basin features
Namesake "Plum Run line" of McGilvery's artillery

Plum Run is a small stream in Pennsylvania. It flows south from the famous Gettysburg Battlefield. This stream is special because it played a role in the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most important battles in American history.

In 1821, Plum Run was known as Rock Run. It flows between the Gettys-Black Divide on one side and the areas where other streams like Pitzer Run and Marsh Creek begin.

The Plum Run Valley was a key location during the Second Day and Third Day of the battle. After the war, places like Crawford's Glen and Tipton Park were developed here.

In 1972, a building near the Slaughter Pen area had to be temporarily closed. This happened after young people from the Youth Conservation Corps found that the water in Plum Run was not clean. This showed how important it is to protect our natural waterways.

Where Plum Run Flows

Plum Run starts in the Field of Pickett's Charge. From there, it makes its way through several interesting spots before joining a larger stream.

Starting Point

Plum Run begins near a special spot where three water areas meet, including Stevens Run and Guinn Runs. This is north of the historic Codori house and barn.

Journey Through the Battlefield

As Plum Run flows, it crosses several roads and areas important to the Gettysburg Battlefield:

  • It goes under the historic Emmitsburg Road.
  • The stream flows under United States Avenue.
  • It passes through a culvert (an underground pipe) at Wheatfield Road.
  • Another culvert carries it under Crawford Avenue.
  • Plum Run is joined by a smaller stream that comes from Weikert Hill.
  • It flows under Warren Avenue.
  • There's a bridge for people walking near the Slaughter Pen area.
  • You can also find the site of an old trolley bridge from 1894-1917.
  • Plum Run meets another stream called Rose Run.

Beyond the Battlefield

After leaving the main battlefield area, Plum Run continues its journey:

  • It flows under Confederate Avenue, a road built in 1937.
  • It is joined by Heagy's Woods Run.
  • The stream marks the boundary between the National Park and the local township.
  • It is joined by a stream coming from Ridge Road.
  • Plum Run flows under US 15.
  • It also goes under a private bridge and is joined by two more small streams.
  • Finally, it flows under PA 134.

Where it Ends

Plum Run eventually flows into Rock Creek, which is a larger stream that eventually joins the Monocacy River. This is where Plum Run's journey ends.

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