Yocona River facts for kids
The Yocona River is a stream in the U.S. state of Mississippi. It is a branch of the Tallahatchie River. This river is special because it is home to a unique fish found nowhere else!
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The Yocona River: A Mississippi Stream
The Yocona River is an important waterway in northern Mississippi. It flows through several counties, including Yalobusha, Lafayette, and Pontotoc. Rivers like the Yocona are vital for the environment and local communities.
Where the Yocona River Flows
The Yocona River starts its journey in the hills of northern Mississippi. As it flows, it eventually joins the Tallahatchie River. In Yalobusha County, a large earthen dam was built across the river. This dam created a big lake called Enid Lake, near the town of Enid. The waters of Enid Lake stretch all the way to Water Valley. This lake is a popular spot for fishing and other outdoor activities.
Unique Wildlife: The Yoknapatawpha Darter
The Yocona River is home to a very special fish called the Etheostoma faulkneri, also known as the Yoknapatawpha darter. This small fish is found only in the headwater streams of the Yocona River watershed. This means it lives nowhere else in the entire world! Protecting the Yocona River helps keep this unique species safe.
What Does "Yocona" Mean?
The name Yocona comes from the Chickasaw language. It means "land." The Board on Geographic Names officially decided on "Yocona River" as the correct name and spelling in 1912. Over time, the river has been known by many different names, such as Yackoney River and Yocany River.
A Famous Connection
The famous American writer William Faulkner often wrote about the area around the Yocona River. In his stories, he sometimes called it the Yoknapatawpha River. Faulkner created a fictional county called Yoknapatawpha County, which was inspired by the real places in Mississippi, including the Yocona River.
