Back River (Virginia)

BW

The Back River is an estuary of the Chesapeake Bay between the cities of Hampton and Poquoson near Hampton Roads in the southeast of the U.S. state of Virginia.

It arises from the confluence of the waters of Northwest Branch and Southwest Branch, and is a total of only about three kilometers long. The Back River is a spawning ground for many of the fish in the bay, as well as the infamous blue crab. Originally, the river was a part of an important fishing area, which had supplied the local canneries with supplies, now however, he is primarily used for recreational purposes and as a nature reserve. The river is popular for fishing or catch crabs.

The southwestern arm begins as Newmarket Creek, one arising from the marshland tidal waters whose source area is located in Newport News. The northwestern arm starts there as Brick Kiln Creek and is embanked along the city limits of Hampton to York County, making the Big Bethel Reservoir is formed. The water then gradually leads Poquoson, where it is used to Northwest Branch ..

The Back River Lighthouse, actually Grandview Light, was formerly on a windswept beach at the river mouth. It was built in 1829 by Winslow Lewis at the price of 4,250 U.S. dollars. In 1915 the ten meter high tower was automated and deducted the lighthouse keeper. In 1936 the station was shut down and left to the elements and vandalism. Hurricane Flossy gave the tower in 1956, the decisive blow. The remains can still be seen today as a pile of rubble on the beach.

• River in North America
• River in Virginia
• Water system Chesapeake Bay