Walnut Creek (Central Texas) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Walnut Creek |
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| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Edwards Aquifer |
| River mouth | Colorado River 30°15′44″N 97°38′29″W / 30.2621°N 97.6414°W |
| Length | 23 miles (37 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 36,000 acres (150 km2) |
Walnut Creek is a 23-mile (37 km) long stream in Texas. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. This type of stream is called a tributary. Walnut Creek joins the Colorado River.
The creek starts in the north and flows south. It crosses the Edwards Plateau on the west side of Austin. Then it moves into the Blackland Prairie on the city's east side. Finally, it empties into the Colorado River.
The land around the creek changes as it flows. In its upper parts, the water flows over limestone rock. Further south, it goes through deeper clay soils and areas with many hardwood trees. The area that drains into Walnut Creek is called its watershed. This watershed is the biggest in Central Austin, covering 36,000 acres (15,000 ha).
You can visit Walnut Creek at several local parks. Two popular spots are Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park and Balcones District Park. These parks offer great ways to explore the creek and its surroundings.
Contents
A Look Back at Walnut Creek's Past
Early Inhabitants and Life Along the Creek
For a long time, the Tonkawa people lived along Walnut Creek. They had small villages and settlements there. They were the first people to call this area home.
First Encounters and Alliances
In 1833, there was an early event in Travis County involving the Tonkawa and new settlers. Later, the Tonkawa formed partnerships with American settlers. They worked together against other larger tribes in the region. These tribes included the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache. The Tonkawa often helped as guides for the Texas Rangers and the U.S. Army.
See also
