Wildcat Creek (Indiana) facts for kids
Wildcat Creek is a stream in north-central Indiana. It flows into the larger Wabash River. The creek is about 84 miles (135 kilometers) long. It helps drain an area of about 804 square miles (2,082 square kilometers).
Contents
What is Wildcat Creek?
Wildcat Creek has three main parts: the North, South, and Middle forks. All these parts flow from east to west. They pass through different kinds of land. This includes farms, pastures, forests, and developed areas.
The Little Wildcat Creek and the Kokomo Creek are also important streams that flow into Wildcat Creek. Because of its size, Wildcat Creek would be called a river in many other places in the United States. Near Lafayette, Indiana, about 815 cubic feet of water flow through Wildcat Creek every second each year.
Where Does it Flow?
Wildcat Creek flows through several towns. These include Greentown, Kokomo, and Burlington. It then joins the Wabash River near Lafayette. Just west of Greentown, part of the creek becomes the Kokomo Reservoir. This is a place where water is stored.
Helping the Creek Stay Clean
A group called the Wildcat Guardians works to protect the creek. They are a private organization that helps keep the creek clean. They work to remove litter and other unwanted items from the water. This helps keep the creek healthy for everyone.
Important History of the Creek
In November 1812, an important event happened near the creek. An American military group was defeated in a battle. This event is known as the Battle of Wild Cat Creek. Sometimes it is also called "Spur's Defeat."
Keeping Safe Near the Creek
Wildcat Creek is a special type of waterway in some areas. Because of certain substances found in the water, it is not safe to eat fish caught west of the dam in Kokomo. This is to make sure everyone stays healthy and safe.
Wildcat Creek in the News
In February 2014, Wildcat Creek was shown on CBS Evening News. This happened because of the very cold winter that year. Large blocks of ice got stuck in the creek, causing "ice dam jams."
