San Saba River facts for kids
The San Saba River is a beautiful river located in the U.S. state of Texas. It flows through a natural and scenic area on the northern edge of the Edwards Plateau. This river is known for its undeveloped charm.
Where the River Flows
The San Saba River begins with two main branches. The North Valley Prong travels east through Schleicher County for about 37 miles. The Middle Valley Prong also flows for about 35 miles in the same county.
These two branches meet near Fort McKavett. From this point, they form the San Saba River. The river then flows another 140 miles east and northeast. It eventually empties into the Colorado River, which is east of the city of San Saba.
A large stream called Brady Creek is also part of this river system. Brady Creek is 90 miles long. It flows alongside the San Saba River to the north.
River's History and Name
The San Saba River was named in 1732. The governor of Spanish Texas, Juan Antonio Bustillo y Ceballos, gave it its name. He called it Río de San Sabá de las Nueces. This means "River of Saint Sabbas of the Walnuts."
He chose this name because he and his soldiers arrived on December 5. This day is the feast day of St. Sabbas. St. Sabbas was an important figure in early Christian history.
Later, in 1757, a place called Santa Cruz de San Sabá Mission was built on the river.
River Water Use
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As of 2013, the San Saba River's water was being used a lot. Sometimes, long parts of the river would become dry. This meant that people living downstream who relied on the river for water did not get enough. Water was also being taken from underground water sources. These sources are connected to the river, which made the river's flow even smaller.
