Salkehatchie River facts for kids
The Salkehatchie River is a river in South Carolina, USA. It starts near the city of Barnwell, South Carolina. This river collects water from smaller streams like Turkey Creek and Whippy Swamp. It then joins with the Little Salkehatchie River. Together, they form the Combahee River Basin. This basin eventually flows into Saint Helena Sound and then into the big Atlantic Ocean. Before joining the Salkehatchie, the Little Salkehatchie River also gathers water from Lemon Creek, Buckhead Creek, and Willow Swamp.
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Journey of the Salkehatchie River
The Salkehatchie River travels through several counties in South Carolina. These include Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, and Hampton counties. It's an important waterway for these areas.
Where Does the Water Go?
The Salkehatchie River and its smaller branches collect water from a wide area. This is called a "drainage basin." All the rain and runoff from these areas flow into the river. This water then makes its way to the ocean. The point where two rivers meet is called a "confluence." The Salkehatchie and Little Salkehatchie rivers meet to form the Combahee River.
Salkehatchie River in History
The Salkehatchie River played a role in American history. During the American Civil War, a famous general named William Tecumseh Sherman led his troops across this river. He also crossed the difficult swamps around it. His goal was to capture the city of Columbia, South Carolina.
The Battle of Rivers' Bridge
Crossing the Salkehatchie River was not easy for General Sherman's army. They had to fight a battle there. This battle was called the Battle of Rivers' Bridge. Sherman's troops fought against a group of soldiers from the Confederate States Army. These Confederate soldiers were led by Major General Lafayette McLaws. Sherman's army won this battle, which helped them continue their march.
Salkehatchie River and Education
The University of South Carolina has a special connection to the Salkehatchie River. They named one of their regional campuses after the river. This campus is called the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. It is a two-year college. It serves students in the same counties where the Salkehatchie River flows. This includes Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, and Hampton counties.
