Swatara facts for kids

Swatara is a name you might hear in different places and for different things, especially in the state of Pennsylvania, USA. It's a name that has been used for towns, rivers, ships, and even a state park!

What Does Swatara Mean?

The name "Swatara" comes from the Lenape Native American language. It means "where we feed on eels" or "eel river." This tells us that the Swatara Creek was likely a place where Native Americans found and fished for eels long ago.

Places Named Swatara

Many communities and natural areas share the name Swatara. Most of these are found in Pennsylvania, but there's also one in Minnesota.

Swatara Communities in Pennsylvania

Several areas in Pennsylvania are named Swatara. These are often called "townships" or "unincorporated communities." A township is a type of local government area, similar to a small town or rural district.

• Lower Swatara Township, Pennsylvania: This is a township located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
• Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania: Another township in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
• Swatara Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania: This township is found in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
• Swatara, Derry Township, Pennsylvania: This is a smaller community within Derry Township, also in Dauphin County.

Swatara in Minnesota

• Swatara, Minnesota: Far away from Pennsylvania, there's a small, unincorporated community called Swatara in Aitkin County, Minnesota. An unincorporated community means it's a group of homes or businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government.

Swatara Creek: A Pennsylvania River

One of the most important places named Swatara is the Swatara Creek. This is a major waterway in Pennsylvania.

Where Does Swatara Creek Flow?

The Swatara Creek is a tributary of the Susquehanna River. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. The Swatara Creek starts in the Appalachian Mountains and flows for about 67 miles (108 kilometers) before joining the Susquehanna River.

Little Swatara Creek

There's also a smaller stream called Little Swatara Creek. As its name suggests, it's a tributary of the main Swatara Creek, meaning it flows into the larger Swatara Creek.

Ships Named USS Swatara

The name Swatara has also been used for ships in the United States Navy. "USS" stands for "United States Ship."

USS Swatara (1865)

The first USS Swatara (1865) was a wooden ship called a "screw sloop." It was launched in 1865, which means it was built and put into the water for the first time that year. This ship was later taken apart in 1872.

USS Swatara (1872)

Another ship, the USS Swatara (1872), was also a screw sloop. It was launched in 1873, just a year after the first one was dismantled. This ship served for many years before being officially taken out of service in 1891.

Swatara State Park

Pennsylvania is also home to Swatara State Park. This park is a great place for outdoor activities and enjoying nature.

What Can You Do at Swatara State Park?

Swatara State Park covers a large area along the Swatara Creek. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and even cross-country skiing in the winter. The park helps protect the natural beauty and wildlife of the area around the creek.