Rippowam River facts for kids
The Rippowam River is a river located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in the United States. It's like a natural drain for a large area of land, covering about 37.5 square miles (97 square kilometers). The river flows for about 17 miles (27 kilometers), starting in Ridgefield and ending in Long Island Sound. It empties into the Sound at Stamford's harbor.
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About the Rippowam River
The Rippowam River is an important waterway in Connecticut. It helps carry water from the land out to the ocean. The river's journey takes it through different towns before it reaches the sea.
Where Does the River Flow?
The Rippowam River begins its journey in the town of Ridgefield. From there, it travels south through various areas. Finally, it reaches the city of Stamford. In Stamford, the river flows into the harbor, which then connects to Long Island Sound.
Controlling the River's Flow
People have built several small dams along the Rippowam River. These dams help to control how fast the water flows. They also create reservoirs, which are like large artificial lakes. These reservoirs store water for different uses.
Important Dams and Reservoirs
Two main reservoirs are formed by damming the Rippowam River:
- The North Stamford Reservoir is located in North Stamford.
- The Laurel Reservoir is found on the border between Stamford and New Canaan.
An old bridge called the Turn-of-River Bridge crosses the Rippowam River. This bridge is special because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical landmark.
The Mill River Section
The lower part of the Rippowam River has a different name. The last eight miles of the river, from the North Stamford Reservoir down to Harbor Point (Stamford), are known as the "Mill River." This name likely comes from a time when mills used the river's power.
The Glass House and the River Valley
A famous architect named Philip Johnson built his unique home, called the Glass House, in the late 1940s. This house is located on the eastern side of the Rippowam River valley in New Canaan. Johnson chose this spot to enjoy the beautiful views of the valley created by the river.
Gallery
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The river just south of the railroad bridge in the South End of Stamford, about 1905
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Rippowam River, about 1905
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River scene from a postcard mailed in 1906
