Lewis Creek Watershed
Lewis Creek - The Past
During the 19th century, Staunton developed as a trade, transportation, and industrial center. Tanneries, mills, and factories were built; and as the population grew, buildings were erected alongside and over the creek. It became a dumping ground for animal, human, and industrial waste. Water-borne diseases such as cholera and dysentery were common.
In 1996, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality cited Lewis Creek as an impaired waterway. Local government, civic groups, and individuals took action. the conservation and clean up of the creek began. Here, for example, houses and hard-surfaced driveways have been removed and an urban green space created. Water can now percolate into the soil instead of running off quickly and washing sediment or dirt and pollutants into the creek. Downstream, other buildings that covered the creek have been demolished. The "daylighting" or exposure of the creek to light and air promotes photosynthesis, aeration, and a healthier waterway. Yet, more work remains.
Erected by The Augusta Garden Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
Location. 38° 9.382′ N, 79° 4.534′ W. Marker is in Staunton, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Churchville Avenue (U.S. 250) and Oakenwold Terrace, on the right when traveling east on Churchville Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 222 Churchville Ave, Staunton VA 24401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pannells Inn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Staunton Fire & Rescue 9/11 Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Staunton History of African American Business Community
More about this marker. The remainder of the marker features environmental-specific information and is not historically pertinent.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 447 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
