Sweetwater Creek (Gray County, Texas) facts for kids
Sweetwater Creek is a stream that flows through parts of the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma. It is a smaller stream that feeds into the North Fork of the Red River.
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Where Sweetwater Creek Begins and Ends
Sweetwater Creek starts in northern Gray County, Texas. This spot is near Laketon and Miami, high up at about 3,010 feet. You can find its exact starting point at 35°36′29″N 100°35′55″W / 35.60806°N 100.59861°W.
The creek then flows southeast into Wheeler County. It passes near Mobeetie and goes under Texas State Highway 152 and U.S. Route 83.
It continues its journey into Roger Mills County, Oklahoma and then into Beckham County, Oklahoma. Here, it flows southwest of the town of Sweetwater, Oklahoma.
Finally, Sweetwater Creek turns south and southwest. It joins the North Fork of the Red River about 2.5 miles from the Oklahoma-Texas border. This meeting point is at 35°18′03″N 99°56′46″W / 35.30083°N 99.94611°W, at an elevation of 1,978 feet. It is about 6.5 miles northwest of Erick, Oklahoma, which is located on I-40.
Sweetwater Creek's Historical Importance
Sweetwater Creek was a very important place for the southern buffalo herds. Because of this, it was also a favorite hunting area for Native American tribes. Groups like the Comanche and Kiowa often set up their camps along its banks.
Conflicts and the Red River War
As American hide hunters moved into the area, they often clashed with the Comanche and their Kiowa allies. These conflicts were part of a larger event called the Red River War in 1874. During this war, the U.S. Army worked to encourage Native American tribes to live on reservations. This was done to reduce fighting between the tribes and American settlers.
Fort Elliott and Local Names
Fort Elliott was an important military post built in 1875. It was located on a high spot overlooking Sweetwater Creek. The fort was active until 1890.
The town of Mobeetie, Texas, gets its name from a Native American word meaning "sweet water." The town of Sweetwater, Oklahoma, is also named after the creek.
