Seekonk River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seekonk River |
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Seekonk River at Providence, Rhode Island, with a view of the Crook Point Bascule Bridge
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| Country | United States |
| State | Rhode Island |
| County | Providence |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Blackstone River, at Pawtucket Falls in Pawtucket, Rhode Island 41°52′38″N 71°22′56″W / 41.8771°N 71.3822°W |
| River mouth | Providence River in Providence, Rhode Island 41°48′59″N 71°23′28″W / 41.8163°N 71.3910°W |
| Length | 8 km (5.0 mi) |
The Seekonk River is a special part of the Providence River in Rhode Island, USA. It's called a tidal river, which means its water level changes with the ocean's tides. The river flows for about 8 kilometers (5 miles).
Many people believe the name "Seekonk" comes from two old Native American words: sucki, meaning black, and honc, meaning goose. This suggests that black geese might have been common here long ago!
The Seekonk River is a busy place. It's home to the Brown University men's rowing team and the Narragansett Boat Club, which is the oldest rowing club in the country! You can also find India Point Park and Blackstone Park along its banks. The famous Crook Point Bascule Bridge crosses over it too.
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Where the Seekonk River Flows
The Seekonk River starts where the Blackstone River meets the ocean's level. This happens just below Pawtucket Falls. From there, the river flows south. It runs between the cities of Providence and East Providence.
As it flows, the Seekonk River gets more water from the Ten Mile River. Finally, it joins the larger Providence River. This happens between two spots called Bold Point and India Point. The Seekonk River is the very northernmost part of the Narragansett Bay where the ocean's tides reach.
Plants and Animals of the Seekonk River
The Seekonk River is full of life! Many different animals live here all year, or they visit during certain seasons.
River Animals
You can find many kinds of fish, shellfish, and crabs in the river. Look up, and you might see many types of birds! These include Loons, Cormorants, Herons, Gulls, Terns, Swans, and Geese.
River Plants
The river is also home to many plants, both on land and in the water. In marshy areas, you'll often see tall grasses like spartina grass and phragmites. In the parts of the river where the tide goes in and out, you might spot brown and green seaweed. Along the riverbanks, you can find shrubs like rosa rugosa and trees such as willow, oak, and beech trees.
Bridges Crossing the Seekonk River
Many bridges cross over the Seekonk River, connecting the cities on either side. Here is a list of the main bridges, starting from where the river begins and moving downstream:
- In Pawtucket:
- Main Street Bridge
- Pawtucket River Bridge: This bridge carries major highways like Interstate 95 and U.S. 1.
- Division Street Bridge
- In Providence:
- Henderson Bridge
- Crook Point Bascule Bridge
- Washington Bridge: This bridge carries Interstate 195, U.S. 6, and U.S. 44.
Rivers that Flow into the Seekonk
The Seekonk River gets water from a few smaller rivers, called tributaries. These include:
