Haw River
Encyclopedia
The Haw River is a tributary of the Cape Fear River
, approximately 110 mi (177 km) long, that is entirely contained in north central North Carolina
in the United States
. It was first documented as the "Hau River" by John Lawson, an English botanist, in his 1709 book "A New Voyage to Carolina." The name is shortened from Saxapahaw, from the Catawban
/sak'yápha:/, "piedmont, foothill", from /sak/, "hill", plus /yápha:/, "step". The river gives its name to a small town
that formed on its banks.
country, in northeast Forsyth County
, near the border with Guilford County
just north of Kernersville
. The river flows northeast, passing north of Oak Ridge
and Summerfield
into southern Rockingham County
, passing through Haw River State Park
, north of Greensboro
. The river then begins to flow southeast as it moves through the corner of Guilford County into Alamance County
.
In Alamance County, the Haw flows through Ossipee
and passes north of Burlington
, and through the unincorporated community of Carolina
. It goes through the town of Haw River
. It flows south and is joined by Great Alamance Creek
at Swepsonville
and continues on to Saxapahaw
. The river forms the southeast border of Alamance County, a border shared by Orange County
and Chatham County
.
The course of the Haw River continues southeast in Chatham County as it flows just north of Pittsboro
. Approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) southeast of the tip of Alamance County, the Haw flows into the Jordan Lake
reservoir, which is formed by the confluence of the Haw River and New Hope Creek
. 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Jordan Lake
dam, the Haw River joins the Deep River
to form the Cape Fear River
.
, beaver
, deer
, otter
, bluegill bream
, and these are only a few of the wild animals living at the Haw River.
in the area, including the Sissipahau Indians, and in the development of the communities that were built on the river. The river was first dammed in Saxapahaw in the 1850s and used for textile mills through the 19th and 20th centuries, and was a major factor in helping Alamance County to rebuild its local economy following the devastation of the American Civil War
. Alamance Plaids, a popular textile during the 1800s, were developed near the present-day community of Glencoe
.
During the 20th Century, the river became heavily polluted
by chemicals used in the production of textiles. The decline of the textile industry in the United States in the late 20th Century have reduced pollution in the Haw River. However, the Haw is still in danger of pollution from suburban nutrient runoff and sediment. Efforts are underway to improve the ecology of the Haw River, but there is disagreement between various environmental groups, local governments, and economic interests as to how to proceed. Recently, the newly revised Jordan Lake Rules have improved regulatory issues which effect future pollution. Most sections of the Haw are clean by reports from the state Water Quality Section, securing it as a recreational and water supply asset.
. The Haw also provides drinking water and recreational activities to a large portion of North Carolina, as 10% of the state's population lives in the Haw River Watershed. The conservation of the Haw River is now the focus of several groups and government agencies, who are working to develop and preserve the Haw River.
Traditional farming has been the backbone of the economy in the rural counties lining the Haw. Though farming is under pressure, it continues to thrive, providing poultry, beef, grain, and other products for American consumption, bolstering a main export of the state.
As a part of conservation efforts has been the development of three trails. The Haw River Trail
is a conservation and recreation initiative formally undertaken by local governments and private groups in 2006, and will provide both a land trail and paddle trail connecting Haw River State Park and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. The trail is part of the North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail.
A second major trail that has been established by local governments is the Haw River Wine Trail. The Haw River Valley has become a renowned grape
growing region. This trail was originally established with five wineries in Guilford and Alamance Counties. Currently, four wineries are open on the trail, and all four have produced award-winning wines. The fifth winery, a family-operated business, closed in January 2008. There are several other wineries in the area that are not currently part of the trail.
The State of North Carolina has set up a state park
on the Haw River in Guilford
and Rockingham
counties. There are also several city and county parks and golf courses located on the Haw, including Greensboro National Golf Club in Guilford County; Indian Valley Golf Course, Great Bend Park at Glencoe, Town and Country Park, The Challenge Golf Club, Quarry Hills Country Club, Swepsonville River Park, and Southwick Golf Course in Alamance County; and Robeson Creek Recreation Area and New Hope Overlook Campground located at the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Chatham County.
In Alamance County
In Guilford County
In Forsyth County
med many times throughout its history to provide power for mills, irrigation for crops, and drinking water supplies. Some remnants of dams are still visible. The following dams are still extant on the Haw River:
Cape Fear River
The Cape Fear River is a long blackwater river in east central North Carolina in the United States. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Fear, from which it takes its name. The overall water quality of the river is continuously measured and monitored by and conducted by the , , and the...
, approximately 110 mi (177 km) long, that is entirely contained in north central North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It was first documented as the "Hau River" by John Lawson, an English botanist, in his 1709 book "A New Voyage to Carolina." The name is shortened from Saxapahaw, from the Catawban
Catawban languages
The Catawban, or Eastern Siouan, languages form a small language family in east North America. The Catawban family is a branch of the larger Siouan Siouan–Catawban family.-Family division:The Catawban family consists of two languages:...
/sak'yápha:/, "piedmont, foothill", from /sak/, "hill", plus /yápha:/, "step". The river gives its name to a small town
Haw River, North Carolina
Haw River is a town in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The current population estimate is 2,012.-Geography:Haw River is located at ....
that formed on its banks.
Course
The Haw rises in the PiedmontPiedmont (United States)
The Piedmont is a plateau region located in the eastern United States between the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the main Appalachian Mountains, stretching from New Jersey in the north to central Alabama in the south. The Piedmont province is a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian division...
country, in northeast Forsyth County
Forsyth County, North Carolina
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 306,067 people, 123,851 households, and 81,741 families residing in the county. The population density was 747 people per square mile . There were 133,093 housing units at an average density of 325 per square mile...
, near the border with Guilford County
Guilford County, North Carolina
Guilford County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. In 2010, the Census Bureau estimated the county's population to be 491,230. Its seat is Greensboro. Since 1938, an additional county court has been located in High Point, North Carolina, making Guilford one of only a handful...
just north of Kernersville
Kernersville, North Carolina
Kernersville is a town in Forsyth County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 17,126 at the 2000 census. In 2007 the U.S. Census estimated the town's population at 22,309. Kernersville is located at the heart of the Piedmont Triad metropolitan area, which consists of the cities...
. The river flows northeast, passing north of Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge, North Carolina
Oak Ridge is a town in northwestern Guilford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,988 at the 2000 census. As of 2010, the US Census Bureau indicated that the population had risen to 6,185 . The Oak Ridge Military Academy, a private, coed, college-preparatory military boarding...
and Summerfield
Summerfield, North Carolina
Summerfield is a town in Guilford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 7,018 at the 2000 census. The official town limits of Summerfield are entirely located within Guilford County....
into southern Rockingham County
Rockingham County, North Carolina
Rockingham County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2010, the population was 93,643. Its county seat is Wentworth.- History :The county was formed in 1785 from Guilford County...
, passing through Haw River State Park
Haw River State Park
Haw River State Park is a North Carolina state park in Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina in the United States. As one of the newest state parks in North Carolina, Haw River has limited recreational opportunities...
, north of Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the third-largest city by population in North Carolina and the largest city in Guilford County and the surrounding Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. According to the 2010 U.S...
. The river then begins to flow southeast as it moves through the corner of Guilford County into Alamance County
Alamance County, North Carolina
Alamance County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It coincides with the Burlington, North Carolina, Metropolitan Statistical Area...
.
In Alamance County, the Haw flows through Ossipee
Ossipee, North Carolina
Ossipee is an incorporated town in northwestern Alamance County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Ossipee is one of the newer municipalities in the state, as it was incorporated officially on December 9, 2002. It was part of the Altamahaw-Ossipee census-designated place until its incorporation....
and passes north of Burlington
Burlington, North Carolina
Burlington is a city in Alamance and Guilford counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the principal city of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Alamance County, in which most of the city is located. The population was 49,963 at the 2010...
, and through the unincorporated community of Carolina
Carolina, Alamance County, North Carolina
Carolina is an unincorporated community located on the Haw River in Alamance County, North Carolina. It is located 4/5 mile east-southeast of Glencoe. It lies at an elevation of 591 feet ....
. It goes through the town of Haw River
Haw River, North Carolina
Haw River is a town in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The current population estimate is 2,012.-Geography:Haw River is located at ....
. It flows south and is joined by Great Alamance Creek
Great Alamance Creek
Great Alamance Creek is an 11-mile long creek that is a tributary of the Haw River. The creek's headwaters are in Guilford County, but it flows primarily through Alamance County, North Carolina. It is a major source of water for the cities of Burlington and Greensboro through the Lake Mackintosh...
at Swepsonville
Swepsonville, North Carolina
Swepsonville is a town in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area...
and continues on to Saxapahaw
Saxapahaw, North Carolina
Saxapahaw is a census-designated place in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area...
. The river forms the southeast border of Alamance County, a border shared by Orange County
Orange County, North Carolina
Orange County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population was 133,801. Its county seat is Hillsborough...
and Chatham County
Chatham County, North Carolina
Chatham County is a county located in the Piedmont area of the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2000, the population was 49,329. Its county seat is Pittsboro.-History:...
.
The course of the Haw River continues southeast in Chatham County as it flows just north of Pittsboro
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Pittsboro, North Carolina is a town located in Chatham County, 34 miles southwest of Raleigh, 47 miles southeast of Greensboro, and 17 miles south of Chapel Hill. The population was 3,743 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chatham County....
. Approximately 12 miles (19.3 km) southeast of the tip of Alamance County, the Haw flows into the Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake
B. Everett Jordan Lake is a reservoir located west of Raleigh and south of Durham in Chatham County, North Carolina, in the United States of America. The northernmost end of the lake actually reaches into southwestern Durham County...
reservoir, which is formed by the confluence of the Haw River and New Hope Creek
New Hope Creek
New Hope Creek is a watercourse that rises in rural Orange County, North Carolina, in the United States. It drains the western portion of Orange County and the southern half of Durham County and flows into the northern end of Jordan Lake reservoir. The drainage area encompasses urban, suburban and...
. 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake
B. Everett Jordan Lake is a reservoir located west of Raleigh and south of Durham in Chatham County, North Carolina, in the United States of America. The northernmost end of the lake actually reaches into southwestern Durham County...
dam, the Haw River joins the Deep River
Deep River (North Carolina)
The Deep River is a tributary of the Cape Fear River, approximately 125 miles long, in north central North Carolina in the United States.- Course :...
to form the Cape Fear River
Cape Fear River
The Cape Fear River is a long blackwater river in east central North Carolina in the United States. It flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Fear, from which it takes its name. The overall water quality of the river is continuously measured and monitored by and conducted by the , , and the...
.
Natural history
The Haw River is home to many examples of local wildlife, including blue heronHeron
The herons are long-legged freshwater and coastal birds in the family Ardeidae. There are 64 recognised species in this family. Some are called "egrets" or "bitterns" instead of "heron"....
, beaver
Beaver
The beaver is a primarily nocturnal, large, semi-aquatic rodent. Castor includes two extant species, North American Beaver and Eurasian Beaver . Beavers are known for building dams, canals, and lodges . They are the second-largest rodent in the world...
, deer
Deer
Deer are the ruminant mammals forming the family Cervidae. Species in the Cervidae family include white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, reindeer, fallow deer, roe deer and chital. Male deer of all species and female reindeer grow and shed new antlers each year...
, otter
Otter
The Otters are twelve species of semi-aquatic mammals which feed on fish and shellfish, and also other invertebrates, amphibians, birds and small mammals....
, bluegill bream
Bluegill
The Bluegill is a species of freshwater fish sometimes referred to as bream, brim, or copper nose. It is a member of the sunfish family Centrarchidae of the order Perciformes.-Range and distribution:...
, and these are only a few of the wild animals living at the Haw River.
History
The river played a major role in the life of Native AmericansNative Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
in the area, including the Sissipahau Indians, and in the development of the communities that were built on the river. The river was first dammed in Saxapahaw in the 1850s and used for textile mills through the 19th and 20th centuries, and was a major factor in helping Alamance County to rebuild its local economy following the devastation of the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. Alamance Plaids, a popular textile during the 1800s, were developed near the present-day community of Glencoe
Glencoe, North Carolina
Glencoe is an unincorporated settlement in Alamance County, North Carolina on North Carolina Highway 62, north-northeast of downtown Burlington....
.
During the 20th Century, the river became heavily polluted
Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light...
by chemicals used in the production of textiles. The decline of the textile industry in the United States in the late 20th Century have reduced pollution in the Haw River. However, the Haw is still in danger of pollution from suburban nutrient runoff and sediment. Efforts are underway to improve the ecology of the Haw River, but there is disagreement between various environmental groups, local governments, and economic interests as to how to proceed. Recently, the newly revised Jordan Lake Rules have improved regulatory issues which effect future pollution. Most sections of the Haw are clean by reports from the state Water Quality Section, securing it as a recreational and water supply asset.
Economy
For over one hundred years, textile and other industries built the economy of North Carolina. Many located along the Haw and other river basins, providing employment and centers for communities since the Civil War era. Today, a few mills continue to operate near and on the Haw River, including Copland Mills in Burlington, NCBurlington, North Carolina
Burlington is a city in Alamance and Guilford counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the principal city of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Alamance County, in which most of the city is located. The population was 49,963 at the 2010...
. The Haw also provides drinking water and recreational activities to a large portion of North Carolina, as 10% of the state's population lives in the Haw River Watershed. The conservation of the Haw River is now the focus of several groups and government agencies, who are working to develop and preserve the Haw River.
Traditional farming has been the backbone of the economy in the rural counties lining the Haw. Though farming is under pressure, it continues to thrive, providing poultry, beef, grain, and other products for American consumption, bolstering a main export of the state.
As a part of conservation efforts has been the development of three trails. The Haw River Trail
Haw River Trail
The Haw River Trail is a long multi-use trail being built through the North Carolina Piedmont. The trail follows the path of the Haw River from Haw River State Park on the Rockingham/Guilford County line to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.- Land trail :...
is a conservation and recreation initiative formally undertaken by local governments and private groups in 2006, and will provide both a land trail and paddle trail connecting Haw River State Park and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. The trail is part of the North Carolina Mountains to Sea Trail.
A second major trail that has been established by local governments is the Haw River Wine Trail. The Haw River Valley has become a renowned grape
Grape
A grape is a non-climacteric fruit, specifically a berry, that grows on the perennial and deciduous woody vines of the genus Vitis. Grapes can be eaten raw or they can be used for making jam, juice, jelly, vinegar, wine, grape seed extracts, raisins, molasses and grape seed oil. Grapes are also...
growing region. This trail was originally established with five wineries in Guilford and Alamance Counties. Currently, four wineries are open on the trail, and all four have produced award-winning wines. The fifth winery, a family-operated business, closed in January 2008. There are several other wineries in the area that are not currently part of the trail.
The State of North Carolina has set up a state park
Haw River State Park
Haw River State Park is a North Carolina state park in Guilford and Rockingham Counties, North Carolina in the United States. As one of the newest state parks in North Carolina, Haw River has limited recreational opportunities...
on the Haw River in Guilford
Guilford County, North Carolina
Guilford County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. In 2010, the Census Bureau estimated the county's population to be 491,230. Its seat is Greensboro. Since 1938, an additional county court has been located in High Point, North Carolina, making Guilford one of only a handful...
and Rockingham
Rockingham County, North Carolina
Rockingham County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of 2010, the population was 93,643. Its county seat is Wentworth.- History :The county was formed in 1785 from Guilford County...
counties. There are also several city and county parks and golf courses located on the Haw, including Greensboro National Golf Club in Guilford County; Indian Valley Golf Course, Great Bend Park at Glencoe, Town and Country Park, The Challenge Golf Club, Quarry Hills Country Club, Swepsonville River Park, and Southwick Golf Course in Alamance County; and Robeson Creek Recreation Area and New Hope Overlook Campground located at the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Chatham County.
Tributaries
- New Hope Creek
- Robeson Creek
- Cane Creek
- Mary's Creek
- Great Alamance Creek
- Town Branch
- Quaker Creek
- Back Creek
- Stoney Creek
- Buffalo Creek
- Reedy's Fork
- Troublesome Creek
Cities, Towns, and Communities
In Chatham County- Pittsboro, North CarolinaPittsboro, North CarolinaPittsboro, North Carolina is a town located in Chatham County, 34 miles southwest of Raleigh, 47 miles southeast of Greensboro, and 17 miles south of Chapel Hill. The population was 3,743 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chatham County....
- Haywood, North CarolinaHaywood, North CarolinaHaywood is an unincorporated community in southeastern Chatham County, North Carolina, United States. Haywood was one of the sites considered in 1792 as a possible location for North Carolina's new capital, although Raleigh was ultimately chosen....
- Bynum, North CarolinaBynum, North CarolinaBynum is an unincorporated community in northeastern Chatham County, North Carolina, United States on the banks of the Haw River. Bynum is three miles north of Pittsboro, North Carolina and 9 miles south of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It is also known as Bynum Mill Village or Bynum Mill Hill....
In Alamance County
- Saxapahaw, North CarolinaSaxapahaw, North CarolinaSaxapahaw is a census-designated place in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- Swepsonville, North CarolinaSwepsonville, North CarolinaSwepsonville is a town in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area...
- Graham, North CarolinaGraham, North CarolinaGraham is a city in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The current population estimate is 14,533...
- Haw River, North CarolinaHaw River, North CarolinaHaw River is a town in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The current population estimate is 2,012.-Geography:Haw River is located at ....
- Burlington, North CarolinaBurlington, North CarolinaBurlington is a city in Alamance and Guilford counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the principal city of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Alamance County, in which most of the city is located. The population was 49,963 at the 2010...
- Carolina, North CarolinaCarolina, Alamance County, North CarolinaCarolina is an unincorporated community located on the Haw River in Alamance County, North Carolina. It is located 4/5 mile east-southeast of Glencoe. It lies at an elevation of 591 feet ....
- Glencoe, North CarolinaGlencoe, North CarolinaGlencoe is an unincorporated settlement in Alamance County, North Carolina on North Carolina Highway 62, north-northeast of downtown Burlington....
- Ossipee, North CarolinaOssipee, North CarolinaOssipee is an incorporated town in northwestern Alamance County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Ossipee is one of the newer municipalities in the state, as it was incorporated officially on December 9, 2002. It was part of the Altamahaw-Ossipee census-designated place until its incorporation....
- Altamahaw, North CarolinaAltamahaw-Ossipee, North CarolinaAltamahaw-Ossipee is a former census-designated place in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 996 at the 2000 census. The town of Ossipee incorporated in 2002...
In Guilford County
- Oak Ridge, North CarolinaOak Ridge, North CarolinaOak Ridge is a town in northwestern Guilford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 3,988 at the 2000 census. As of 2010, the US Census Bureau indicated that the population had risen to 6,185 . The Oak Ridge Military Academy, a private, coed, college-preparatory military boarding...
In Forsyth County
- The Haw begins approximately 1 miles (1.6 km) northeast of Kernersville, North CarolinaKernersville, North CarolinaKernersville is a town in Forsyth County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The population was 17,126 at the 2000 census. In 2007 the U.S. Census estimated the town's population at 22,309. Kernersville is located at the heart of the Piedmont Triad metropolitan area, which consists of the cities...
.
Dams
The Haw River has been damDam
A dam is a barrier that impounds water or underground streams. Dams generally serve the primary purpose of retaining water, while other structures such as floodgates or levees are used to manage or prevent water flow into specific land regions. Hydropower and pumped-storage hydroelectricity are...
med many times throughout its history to provide power for mills, irrigation for crops, and drinking water supplies. Some remnants of dams are still visible. The following dams are still extant on the Haw River:
- B. Everett Jordan Dam - 113 ft (34.4 m)
- Bynum Dam - 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Saxapahaw Dam - 30 ft (9.1 m)
- Southwick Golf Course Dam - 10 ft (3 m)
- Old Swepsonville Dam - 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Granite Mills Dam
- Glencoe Mills Dam - 10 ft (3 m)
- Indian Valley Dam
- Altamahaw Dam - 8 ft (2.4 m)