Raccoon Creek (New Jersey) facts for kids

Raccoon Creek is a stream in southern New Jersey, United States. It is about 22.6 miles (36.4 km) long. This creek flows into the Delaware River.

Where Raccoon Creek Flows

Raccoon Creek starts near Glassboro, New Jersey. It flows west and meets Cartwheel Brook. The creek then forms Gilman Lake. It turns north and forms Ewan Lake. Other small streams, like Clems Run and Miery Run, join Raccoon Creek.

The creek flows through Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Here, it forms Mullica Hill Pond. It then turns west again. The South Branch of Raccoon Creek joins it about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Mullica Hill.

Raccoon Creek flows along the north side of Swedesboro, New Jersey. In this area, the creek becomes tidal. This means its water level changes with the ocean tides. It passes under the Locke Avenue Bridge. The creek then turns north again. It winds through marshlands. It goes under the Interstate 295 bridge. It also flows past the Pureland Industrial Complex. This is a very large industrial area.

Many marshy channels lead to Bridgeport, New Jersey. The creek passes under railroad bridges there. Finally, Raccoon Creek empties into the Delaware River. This is just south of the Commodore Barry Bridge.

History of Raccoon Creek

In the 1600s, settlers from Sweden came to this area. They were part of the New Sweden colony. These settlers traveled upstream along Raccoon Creek. They founded communities like Bridgeport and Swedesboro. Bridgeport was first called New Stockholm.

Streams That Join Raccoon Creek

Several smaller streams flow into Raccoon Creek. These are called tributaries.

• South Branch (Raccoon Creek)
• Miery Run
• Clems Run
• Cartwheel Brook