Popes Creek (Maryland) facts for kids

Popes Creek is a small stream, about 3.4 miles (5.5 km) long, located in Charles County, Maryland. It flows into the mighty Potomac River. Think of it as a little helper stream that adds its water to a much bigger river!

Power Plant on Popes Creek

Near where Popes Creek meets the Potomac River, there's a big power plant called the Morgantown Generating Station. It was built in the 1960s by a company called Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO).

This plant uses coal to create electricity. Today, a company called Mirant owns and runs it. Sometimes, people even call it the Popes Creek Power Plant because it's so close to the creek's mouth.

The Popes Creek Railroad

Imagine a train track that's been around for a long time! In 1853, the state of Maryland gave permission for a company called the Baltimore and Potomac Rail Road to build a railroad. This track was meant to go from the city of Baltimore through towns like Upper Marlboro and Port Tobacco. It was planned to end near the Potomac River.

This old rail line is now operated by CSX Transportation. It's known as the Pope's Creek Subdivision. People used to ride passenger trains on this line until 1949. Today, its main job is to carry coal to the power plant we just talked about. So, the railroad helps keep the power plant running!