Wankinco River facts for kids
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The Wankinco River is a river about 7.3 miles (11.7 kilometers) long in eastern Massachusetts, United States. It's like a smaller stream that flows into a bigger river. The Wankinco River joins the Wareham River, and then the Wareham River empties into Buzzards Bay.
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About the Wankinco River
The Wankinco River is an important waterway in its area. It helps carry water from inland areas out to the ocean. Rivers like the Wankinco are vital for the environment and local communities. They provide homes for wildlife and are sometimes used for recreation.
Where Does the Wankinco River Start?
This river begins its journey at East Head Reservoir. This is a pond located within the beautiful Myles Standish State Forest. From there, the river flows generally south.
The River's Journey Through the Land
As the Wankinco River travels, it passes through several areas where its flow is controlled. These might be small dams or natural pools. It also winds through many cranberry bogs. Cranberry bogs are special wetlands where cranberries grow.
Eventually, the Wankinco River meets up with the Agawam River. This meeting point is close to the center of Wareham, Massachusetts. After these two rivers join, they form what is known as the Wareham River. The Wareham River then becomes the main harbor for Wareham.
What's in a Name?
The name "Wankinco" has an interesting history. Today, we spell it Wankinco. However, long ago, it was spelled Wankinquoah. This older spelling might have come from a word like Wonqun. That word meant "crooked." This makes sense because rivers often have many twists and turns, making them look crooked!
River Boundaries
For part of its path, the Wankinco River acts as a natural border. It separates the towns of Carver and Plymouth, Massachusetts. This shows how rivers can play a role in defining geographical areas.
