Union River (Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Union River |
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Maine |
| River mouth | Union River Bay sea level 44°28′48″N 68°25′55″W / 44.480°N 68.432°W |
| Length | 22 miles (35 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Union River is a river in eastern Maine, United States. It flows for about 22 miles (35 kilometers). The river runs through the city of Ellsworth. Ellsworth is the main town, or "county seat," of Hancock County. A long time ago, when America was first being settled, people called it the Mount Desert River.
About the Union River
The Union River starts at the northern end of Graham Lake. This is where two smaller rivers, the East Branch and the West Branch, join together. This meeting point is on the edge of two towns, Mariaville and Waltham.
The River's Journey
From its start, the river flows south for about 13 miles (21 kilometers) through Graham Lake. It then reaches a dam at the end of the lake. After the dam, the river continues south through Ellsworth. It also flows through another body of water called Leonard Lake.
Power from the River
The river passes over a dam at the end of Leonard Lake. This dam is known as The Ellsworth Dam. It was built in 1907. The dam helps to create Leonard Lake. Inside the dam is a special building called a powerhouse.
The powerhouse has four machines that make electricity. These machines produce enough power for about 3,000 homes every year. This shows how rivers can be used to create clean energy.
Reaching the Ocean
In downtown Ellsworth, the Union River reaches a point where it meets the ocean's tides. This part of the river is called an estuary. An estuary is where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. The river flows as an estuary for about 5 miles (8 kilometers). It then reaches Union River Bay. From there, it flows into Blue Hill Bay and finally into the Atlantic Ocean.
