Winch Creek facts for kids
Winch Creek is a small stream located in eastern Franklin County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one, and in this case, Winch Creek is a tributary to the Meramec River.
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What is Winch Creek?
Winch Creek is a natural waterway, similar to a small river. It plays an important part in the local environment of Franklin County, Missouri. Streams like Winch Creek help carry water from rain and melting snow into larger rivers.
Where Does Winch Creek Start and End?
Every stream has a beginning, called its headwaters, and an end, where it joins a larger body of water, called its confluence.
- Winch Creek's headwaters are found at coordinates 38°24′17″N 90°44′50″W / 38.40472°N 90.74722°W. This is where the stream begins its journey.
- The creek then flows until it meets the Meramec River. This meeting point, or confluence, is located at 38°26′42″N 90°45′17″W / 38.44500°N 90.75472°W.
The Journey of Winch Creek
From its start, Winch Creek flows north, staying close to the eastern edge of Franklin County for about one mile. After this, it turns west. It then travels for about two miles, following along Missouri Route O, until it reaches the community of Catawissa.
Just before Catawissa, the creek changes direction again, turning north. It continues flowing north to northeast for about two more miles. Finally, it reaches its confluence with the Meramec River, just a short distance downstream from the community of Prater.
How Did Winch Creek Get Its Name?
The name "Winch Creek" has a story behind it. According to local tradition, the creek was named after a Native American person who lived in the area a long time ago. This is a common way many places in the United States got their names, honoring the original inhabitants of the land.
