Alum Creek
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| Alum Creek | |
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| Origin | ~ 1 mi (1.6 km) southwest of Mount Gilead |
| Mouth | Big Walnut Creek near Obetz, Ohio |
| Source elevation | ~ 1,160 ft (354 m) [1] |
| Mouth elevation | ~ 715 ft (218 m) [2] |
| Basin area | 199 mi² (515 km²) [3] |
Alum Creek is a tributary of Big Walnut Creek, which drains into the Scioto River.
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[edit] History
The Alum Creek valley was inhabited by the Adena over 2,000 years ago. This mound builder culture constructed seven mounds along Alum Creek. The Lenape (Delaware) Indian tribe later established many settlements near the creek.
One of the first European settlers was Colonel Moses Byxbe, who constructed his home on Alum Creek in 1805. Colonel Byxbe owned or co-owned 38,000 acres (150 km²) along the creek.
As a defensive measure during the War of 1812, local residents built four blockhouses in the area, including one on Alum Creek. The blockhouse, Fort Cheshire, was a 2-storey log fortress, constructed so as to provide a place from which to shoot, drop boiling water, and defend against the threat of fire. The blockhouse was subsequently used as a schoolhouse and remained intact until the Civil War. The fort is commemorated by a bronze plaque where the blockhouse once stood.
The history of Alum Creek is also notable for its connection to the Underground Railroad, by which many slaves found their freedom. The Underground Railroad's Sycamore Trail ran along Alum Creek. Africa Road, near Alum Creek, is so named because of the nearby settlement of thirty freed slaves from North Carolina. [4]
[edit] Drinking Water
Alum Creek is a source of drinking water for the city of Westerville, Ohio.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey. Mount Gilead quadrangle, Ohio. 1:24,000. 7.5 Minute Series. Washington D.C.: USGS, 1973.
- ^ U.S. Geological Survey. Southeast Columbus quadrangle, Ohio. 1:24,000. 7.5 Minute Series. Washington D.C.: USGS, 1992.
- ^ Map of Ohio watersheds.
- ^ Alum Creek State Park.
- ^ City of Westerville FAQs.
[edit] External links
- Alum Creek State Park website
- Friends of Alum Creek - group formed in 2002 dedicated to preserving and improving the watershed.
- Old Alum Creek Photos from Alum Creek Families - Old Alum Creek Photos Delaware County, Ohio.
