Weskeag River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Weskeag River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Maine 35 feet (11 m) |
| River mouth | West Penobscot Bay sea level 44°02′N 69°07′W / 44.03°N 69.11°W |
| Length | 5 miles (8 km) |
The Weskeag River is a short river in Knox County, Maine. It is a special type of river called a tidal river. This means its water level changes with the ocean's tides.
About the Weskeag River
The Weskeag River is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) long. It flows through a beautiful part of Maine. This river is important for the plants and animals that live there.
Where the River Flows
The Weskeag River starts in a town called South Thomaston. This is its source. From there, it flows about 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) in different directions.
It then meets another stream called Marsh Creek. This meeting point is called a confluence. After that, the river travels about 4.2 miles (6.8 kilometers) more. It flows through an estuary, which is where the river meets the sea.
The river finally reaches the Muscle Ridge Channel. This channel is part of West Penobscot Bay. The place where the river meets the bay is called its mouth. The mouth of the Weskeag River is right on the border between South Thomaston and Owls Head.
The River's Name and History
The name "Weskeag" comes from the Abenaki people. The Abenaki are a group of Indigenous people who lived in this area for a long time. They called the river "Wessaweskeag."
This name means "tidal creek" or "salt creek." It's a perfect name because the river's water levels are always changing with the ocean tides. This makes the water a mix of fresh and salty water.
