Taunton River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taunton River |
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View of Taunton River looking north from the Veterans Memorial Bridge
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| Other name(s) | Taunton Great River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Cities | Bridgewater, Taunton, Fall River |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Mount Hope Bay |
| Length | 36 mi (58 km) |
| Type: | Scenic, Recreational |
| Designated: | March 30, 2009 |
The Taunton River is a cool river in southeastern Massachusetts, United States. It starts where the Town River and Matfield River meet in Bridgewater. From there, it winds its way through several towns. These include Halifax, Middleborough, and Raynham. It also flows through the city of Taunton, which is how it got its name.
The river then passes through Berkley, Dighton, and Somerset. It also goes through the Assonet part of Freetown. Finally, it reaches Fall River, where it joins Mount Hope Bay. This bay is connected to Narragansett Bay.
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About the Taunton River
The Taunton River stretches about 37 miles (59.5 km) long. This distance is measured from where the Town and Matfield Rivers join in Bridgewater. It ends at the mouth of the Quequechan River in Fall River. The area of land that drains into the river is called its watershed. The Taunton River watershed covers 562 square miles (1,456 km²).
This watershed includes the Hockomock Swamp. This is the largest freshwater wetland in Massachusetts. The Taunton River is one of the flattest rivers in New England. It only drops about 20 feet (6 meters) in height along its entire length. The river is also affected by the tides as far north as Taunton. This means the water level goes up and down with the ocean tides.
Amazing Animals and Plants
The Taunton River is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Some of these creatures are found nowhere else in Massachusetts.
Birds of the River
Over 154 types of birds have been seen along the Taunton River. Many of these birds are seen during their breeding season. This includes majestic bald eagles.
Fish and Other Water Animals
The river's watershed supports 28 kinds of reptiles and amphibians. It also has 29 different types of fish. You can find native brook trout here. Large Atlantic sturgeon also live in the lower parts of the river. The Mystic Valley Amphipod, a tiny creature, lives only in eastern New England. It has been found in wetlands throughout the watershed.
You might spot otters along the riverbanks. Even harbor seals have been seen in the watershed. They sometimes swim into smaller rivers that flow into the Taunton, like the Nemasket River. The watershed is also home to 7 types of freshwater mussels. It has the largest herring run in New England. This is when many herring fish swim upstream to lay their eggs.
In 2005, a young harp seal was found in the Nemasket River. In 2014, a young male Beluga whale was seen in the Taunton River. Later that year, a basking shark was also spotted.
Plant Life
More than 360 plant species have been found in the wetlands and along the river. There are many different plant communities here. These include Atlantic White Cedar Swamps and Forested Bogs. You can also find Coastal Plain Pondshores.
River History
The Taunton River has been very important for the economy of the Greater Taunton Area. This started when industries like iron works began in the mid-1600s. In the 1800s, shipbuilding was a big business in the Taunton area. Many ships were built right on the river.
The River Today
The Taunton River is special because it's the longest coastal river in New England without any dams. This means fish and other animals can move freely along its length. It supports 45 types of fish and many kinds of shellfish. The Taunton River is the main river that forms the Taunton River Watershed. This watershed provides a home for 154 types of birds, including 12 rare ones. You can also find otters, mink, grey fox, and deer living here.
Battleship Cove is located where the Taunton River meets Mount Hope Bay. It's in Fall River, right under the Braga Bridge. Battleship Cove is the world's largest museum of warships. You can see many historic ships there.
In April 2009, the Taunton River received a special honor. It was named a National Wild and Scenic River. This means it's protected for its natural beauty and importance.
River Crossings
- List of crossings of the Taunton River
Main Rivers Joining the Taunton
- Winnetuxet River, near Halifax
- Nemasket River, near Middleborough
- Mill River, near Taunton
- Three Mile River near Dighton
- Assonet River near Freetown
