Scajaquada Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Scajaquada Creek |
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A view up Scajaquada Creek within Forest Lawn Cemetery.
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Location of the mouth of Scajaquada Creek in New York State
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Erie |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 42°55′37″N 78°38′50″W / 42.92694°N 78.64722°W |
| River mouth | Niagara River 42°55′45″N 78°53′57″W / 42.92917°N 78.89917°W |
| Length | 13 mi (21 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Niagara River→ Lake Ontario→ Saint Lawrence River→ Gulf of Saint Lawrence |
| Basin size | 29 sq mi (75 km2) |
Scajaquada Creek ( skə-JAH-kwə-də) is a stream in Erie County, New York, United States. The name comes from Philip Kenjockety. He was a Native American who was known as the oldest person living in the region when he passed away in 1808.
The creek gives its name to the Scajaquada Expressway, which is a highway that runs next to its southern side. There is also a bike path along the creek's northern side. This path goes from Delaware Park all the way to the Niagara River. Important places like Buffalo State College, the Albright–Knox Art Gallery, and the Buffalo History Museum are located near Scajaquada Creek.
Where Scajaquada Creek Flows
Scajaquada Creek is about 13-mile (21 km) long. It collects water from an area of 29 square miles (75 km2). The creek starts in the Town of Lancaster in Erie County, which is east of Buffalo.
The creek flows through most of the Town of Cheektowaga. After this, it goes into an underground pipe called a culvert. This culvert carries the creek for many miles under the city of Buffalo.
The creek then comes out into the open in Forest Lawn Cemetery. It flows through the cemetery and next to Delaware Park. Here, you can see Serenity Falls. These falls drop about 12 feet (3.7 m) over a distance of 200 feet (61 m). Serenity Falls is one of only two waterfalls in Buffalo. The other is Cazenovia Park Falls.
Scajaquada Creek used to flow into Hoyt Lake in Delaware Park. However, by 1921, it was buried underground. This was done because of pollution and the growth of the city. Today, the creek goes around the lake through a special channel and culvert. Finally, the creek flows into a part of the Erie Canal called the Black Rock Canal. From there, it empties into the Niagara River.
A Battle by the Creek in 1814
In August 1814, during The War of 1812, a group of about 600 British soldiers came from Canada into New York. They wanted to attack American supply areas in Black Rock, New York. These supplies were being gathered for the Siege of Fort Erie.
American riflemen found out about the British landing. They quickly set up defenses at Scajaquada Creek. At that time, the creek was known as "Conjocta Creek." The British forces tried to cross the creek to get to Black Rock. But they met about 200 American riflemen who were defending the creek.
A fierce fight lasted for about an hour. In the end, the British force went back to Canada. The British lost 12 soldiers and had 17 wounded. The Americans had 2 killed and 8 wounded. An English writer and inventor named Shadrack Byfield was hurt in this battle. He had to have his arm removed because of his injuries.
