Town River facts for kids
The Town River is a cool river located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, in the United States. It's like a watery highway that travels about 10.6 miles (that's about 17 kilometers!). This river starts its journey at the northeast end of Lake Nippenicket in the town of Bridgewater. From there, it flows east through West Bridgewater. Then, it turns south and heads back into Bridgewater. Finally, it meets up with another river called the Matfield River. When these two rivers join, they create an even bigger river known as the Taunton River.
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The River's Journey: Where Does it Go?
The Town River has an interesting path! It begins its adventure in Bridgewater, starting from Lake Nippenicket. Imagine it as a small stream leaving a big lake. As it flows, it winds its way through different areas.
Through West Bridgewater
After leaving Bridgewater, the river makes its way into West Bridgewater. Here, it continues its flow, helping to shape the landscape and providing a home for various plants and animals. Rivers are super important for nature!
Back to Bridgewater and Beyond
Once it has traveled through West Bridgewater, the Town River makes a turn and flows back into Bridgewater. This is where it has a big meeting! It joins forces with the Matfield River. Together, they become the Taunton River, which is a much larger and longer waterway. The Taunton River eventually flows into Mount Hope Bay, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. So, the water from the Town River eventually makes its way to the sea!
Friends of the River: What are Tributaries?
Every big river has smaller streams and rivers that flow into it. These smaller waterways are called tributaries. Think of them as helpers that bring more water to the main river, making it bigger and stronger. The Town River has several important tributaries that feed into it:
- Lake Nippenicket: This is where the Town River actually begins! It's a large lake that provides the starting water.
- Hockomock Swamp: Swamps are amazing wetlands that hold a lot of water. Water from Hockomock Swamp flows into the Town River.
- Hockomock River: This is another river that joins the Town River, adding its flow.
- Onemile Brook: A smaller stream that contributes water.
- Meadow Brook: Another small stream that helps feed the river.
- South Brook: This brook also adds its water to the Town River.
These tributaries are really important because they help keep the Town River healthy and full of water, especially during different seasons.
Crossing the River: Bridges and Roads
As the Town River flows, many roads and bridges cross over it. These crossings help people travel from one side of the river to the other. It's a bit like the river has to let people pass over it!
Crossings in West Bridgewater
In the town of West Bridgewater, you can find several places where roads go over the Town River:
- Route 24
- Scotland Street
- Forest Street
- South Street
- Arch
- South Main Street (Route 28)
Crossings in Bridgewater
When the river flows back into Bridgewater, there are more crossings:
- High Street
- Oak Street
- Railroad: Even trains need to cross the river!
- Broad Street (Route 18)
- Hayward Street
These crossings show how the river is a part of daily life for the people living in these towns, even as it continues its journey to the sea.
