St. Marys River (Indiana and Ohio) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Marys River |
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The St. Marys River in Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Map of the Maumee River watershed showing the St. Marys River
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| Country | United States |
| States | Ohio, Indiana |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | confluence of East Branch and Center Branch near St. Marys, Ohio 854 ft (260 m) 40°32′14″N 84°21′46″W / 40.5372222°N 84.3627778°W |
| River mouth | confluence with the St. Joseph River to form the Maumee River Fort Wayne, Indiana 745 ft (227 m) 41°05′00″N 85°07′56″W / 41.0833333°N 85.1322222°W |
| Length | 99 miles (159 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | St. Marys River → Maumee River → Lake Erie → Great Lakes → St Lawrence River → Gulf of St. Lawrence |
| Basin size | 793.1 square miles (2,054 km2) |
| GNIS ID | 442706 |
The St. Marys River is a river in the United States. It flows through northwestern Ohio and northeastern Indiana. This river is about 99 miles (159 km) long. It is a tributary of the Maumee River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one.
In the Shawnee language, the river is called Kokothikithiipi. In the Miami-Illinois language, it is known as Nameewa siipiiwi. Before cities and farms were built, the river was part of a huge wetland called the Great Black Swamp. Today, the St. Marys River helps drain water from farms and rural areas into Lake Erie.
Where Does the St. Marys River Start?
The St. Marys River begins in western Ohio. It forms when two smaller streams, the East Branch and Center Branch, join together. This joining point is called a confluence. It happens in southern Auglaize County, Ohio.
The river flows west towards the town of St. Marys, Ohio. It gets very close to Grand Lake before turning north.
Journey Through Ohio and Indiana
As the river continues, it makes a sharp turn to the west-northwest in northwestern Auglaize County. It flows past the towns of Rockford and Willshire. Then, it crosses into Adams County, Indiana.
In northeastern Indiana, the river flows northwest through Decatur. Finally, it reaches Fort Wayne. In downtown Fort Wayne, the St. Marys River meets the St. Joseph River. When these two rivers join, they form the larger Maumee River.
A River's Name in History
A ship from World War II was named after this river. The U.S. Navy vessel was called the USS St. Mary's River.
