Shoal Creek (Tennessee River tributary) facts for kids

Shoal Creek, once known as the Sycamore River, is a river that flows for about 64.7 miles (104.1 km). It begins in northern Lawrence County, Tennessee, and eventually flows into the Tennessee River. This happens in Lauderdale County, Alabama. The lower parts of the creek are affected by the water held back by Wilson Dam.

The History of Shoal Creek

Shoal Creek was very important long ago. It provided water power for many early industries. This was especially true for the cotton industry in Lawrence County. Water power means using the force of flowing water to make machines work.

Davy Crockett's Connection

A famous frontiersman named Davy Crockett settled near Shoal Creek in 1817. He used the creek's power to start several businesses.

• He built a powder mill to make gunpowder.
• He also had a grist mill to grind grain into flour.
• Plus, he operated a distillery to make alcoholic drinks.

However, a big flood in September 1821 destroyed all his operations. After this, Crockett moved away to West Tennessee.

Remembering Davy Crockett

The area around Shoal Creek, including Lawrence County, is named for the creek and Davy Crockett. He helped create Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County. Today, David Crockett State Park remembers this important history. It's a great place to learn more about his life.

Shoal Creek and Flooding

Rivers can sometimes flood, and Shoal Creek has experienced this. On July 13, 1998, a very heavy rainstorm caused a flash flood on Shoal Creek. About 9 inches (23 cm) of rain fell in just four hours.

Impact of the Flood

This sudden flood caused serious problems for the town of Lawrenceburg.

• Sadly, two people lost their lives.
• The town's water supply was temporarily cut off.
• The system that cleans wastewater also stopped working.

Experts estimated this was a "100-year flood." This means it was a flood so severe that it only has a 1% chance of happening in any given year.