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Alamance Creek 

Alamance Creek is referred to locals in several different ways such as: Big Alamance Creek, Great Alamance Creek, Aramancy River, and Aramanchy River.  It originates from Lake Mackintosh, just southwest of Burlington.  The river stretches for 11 miles, and joins with Haws River in Swepsonville.  

 

Alamance Creek in History

Alamance Creek also served it's purpose with Alamance County history.  In 1771, the river served as the starting point for the Battle of Alamance.  "Regulators" had made camp along the river's banks, hoping to gain concessions from the governor, William Tyron, by intimidating him with a show of superior force.  Governor Tyron had sent militiamen towards their base camp to cease their efforts.

 

Alamance Creek Today

Unfortunately, Alamance Creek is suffering.  In 2008, a Restoration Plan was passed that enforced the protection and restoration of the river.  The plan hoped to improve the creek's health through:

  • Improving natural conditions for people living in the watershed;
  • Restoring and protecting streams and wetlands;
  • Protecting water quality and habitat through conservation partnerships;
  • Identifying needed improvements to stormwater and wastewater systems; and
  • Working with community leaders to foster stewardship in our watershed.

This plan had to be enacted because Alamance Creek failed to support the surrounding plant and animal life.  The problem is simple: Alamance Creek is an urban stream.  It has a long history of industrial development that corresponds to a long history of water quality degradation. The Creek experiences flash floods, erosion, and is the catch basin for all trash flowing out of these cities. In the future, the hope is that the county will help to prevent further damage to this well known and historical creek.

 

 

 

References:

N.d. (1999). The Colonial Period. Alamance County - North Carolina. Recieved October 5, 2013 from <http://www.alamance-nc.com/about-alamance-county/history/the-colonial-period.html>

DesignHammer Media. (2013). Battle of Alamance. North Carolina History Project. Received October 5, 2013 from <http://www.northcarolinahistory.org/encyclopedia/533/entry>

Watterson Troxler, Carole. (10 August 2000). East-west Pattern of the Trading Path Network in Alamance County. The Trading Path in Alamance County, a Beginning. Received October 5, 2013 from <http://facstaff.elon.edu/troxlerc/alacotp.htm>

N.d. (2012). Little Alamance & Travis/Tickle Creek Watershed Restoration Plan. Piedmont Triad Regional Council. Received October 5, 2013 from <http://www.ptrc.org/index.aspx?page=309>

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