Dirty Creek (Oklahoma)

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Dirty Creek
USA Oklahoma relief location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Mouth of Dirty Creek
Location
CountryUnited States
StateOklahoma
CountiesMuskogee, McIntosh
Physical characteristics
SourceNear Oktaha, Muskogee County
 • locationOklahoma
 • coordinates 35°27′34″N95°05′10″W / 35.4595405°N 95.0860692°W / 35.4595405; -95.0860692
Mouth Arkansas River
 • location
Near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma
 • coordinates
 35°30′35″N95°07′24″W / 35.5098°N 95.1234°W / 35.5098; -95.1234
 • elevation
459 ft (140 m)
Length49.7 mi (80.0 km)
Basin sizePart of Arkansas River watershed
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • leftElk Creek, Butler Creek
 • rightSouth Fork Dirty Creek, Georges Fork
GNIS ID1092094

Dirty Creek is a stream located in Muskogee County and McIntosh County, Oklahoma, in the United States. [1] The creek flows approximately 49.7 miles before joining the Arkansas River, ultimately draining into the Gulf of Mexico. [2]

Contents

Etymology

The name "Dirty Creek" is a corruption of the Muscogee phrase Terre D'Inde, meaning "land of the turkey". This reflects the historical presence of Muscogee people in the region. [3]

Geography

Dirty Creek lies within the Arkoma Basin and is part of the Arkansas River watershed. Its elevation near the mouth is approximately 459 feet (140 m). Nearby communities include Webbers Falls, Carlisle, and Gore. Tributaries of Dirty Creek include Elk Creek, South Fork Dirty Creek, Butler Creek, and Georges Fork. [4]

History

During the American Civil War, the area around Dirty Creek was significant for the Battle of Honey Springs, fought in July 1863. Confederate troops camped near Honey Springs on the south side of Elk Creek (locally associated with Dirty Creek), while the main battle occurred north of the creek in present-day Muskogee County. [5]

In the 19th century, Dirty Creek was also the site of the Drew Salt Works, later operated by Dave Vann during the Civil War. These works produced large quantities of salt for regional trade, using mule-powered pumps and extensive evaporation kettles. [6]

Environmental significance

Dirty Creek and its tributary Elk Creek were listed as impaired waters under the Clean Water Act in 2006 due to turbidity caused by sediment runoff from grazing and cropland. Best management practices implemented between 2004 and 2007 reduced erosion and improved water quality, leading to their proposed removal from the impaired list in 2010. [7]

Additionally, the Dirty Creek Conservation Bank provides habitat offsets for the endangered American burying beetle within the USFWS Tulsa District, highlighting its role in species conservation. [8]

Recreation

The creek and surrounding areas support activities such as fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation. Nearby landmarks include Red Hill Cemetery and historic Webbers Falls. [9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Dirty Creek (Oklahoma)
  2. ↑ "Dirty Creek". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  3. ↑ Historia (Oklahoma City). Oklahoma Historical Society. 1909. p. 41.
  4. ↑ "Dirty Creek Tributaries". USGS. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Oktaha Residents Want Battle Role". The Oklahoman. July 12, 1993. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Salt Works in Early Oklahoma". Chronicles of Oklahoma. 1932. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program Success Story: Oklahoma" (PDF). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. March 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Dirty Creek Conservation Bank" (PDF). Mitigation Solutions USA. May 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Dirty Creek". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved December 1, 2025.

35°27′34″N95°05′10″W / 35.4595405°N 95.0860692°W / 35.4595405; -95.0860692

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