Smyrna River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smyrna River |
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Delaware Bay |
| Country | United States |
| State | Delaware |
| County | New Castle Kent |
| City | Smyrna |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Smyrna, Delaware 39°18′46″N 075°34′30″W / 39.31278°N 75.57500°W |
| River mouth | Smyrna, Delaware sea level (0 ft.) 39°21′54″N 075°30′48″W / 39.36500°N 75.51333°W |
| Length | 7 miles |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Delaware River |
| Basin size | 64 sq. mi |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Duck Creek Pond Lake Como |
The Smyrna River is a short but important river in the state of Delaware, United States. It flows for about 7.3-mile-long (11.7 km), which is roughly 11.7 kilometers. This river is a key part of the local environment and history.
Contents
Where is the Smyrna River?
The Smyrna River starts near the town of Smyrna, Delaware. It begins where two smaller streams, Duck Creek and Mill Creek, join together.
Its Journey to the Bay
From its starting point, the river flows mostly towards the northeast. As it travels, it creates a natural border between two counties in Delaware: Kent County and New Castle County. After its journey, the Smyrna River empties into the large Delaware Bay. This meeting point is about 6 miles (10 km) (or 9.6 kilometers) northeast of Smyrna.
Even though it's not a very long river, the Smyrna River is special because boats can travel on its entire length. This means it has been useful for transportation and trade throughout history.
What is a River System?
The Smyrna River is part of a much bigger water network called the Delaware River system. Think of a river system like the branches of a tree, where many smaller rivers and streams eventually connect to a main river.
The Smyrna River's Drainage Area
The area of land that drains water into the Smyrna River is called its basin. This basin covers about 64 square miles (which is about 165 square kilometers). All the rain and runoff in this area eventually makes its way into the Smyrna River.
Streams that Join the Smyrna River
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the Smyrna River, adding to its water.
- On the left side, you'll find:
- Massey Branch
- Mill Creek
- Corks Point Ditch
- Sawmill Branch
- On the right side, you'll find:
- Providence Creek
- Greens Branch
There are also two ponds or small lakes that are connected to the river system: Duck Creek Pond and Lake Como.
