Wilmington has funded a $232,435.00 project to build a Smith Creek Kayak Launch at McRae Street and Cornelius Harnett Drive, at the foot of the Smith Creek Bridge. StarNews photo by Jeff Janowski.
It’s not exactly clear. According to the local history staff at the New Hanover County Public Library, the creek is named for William Smith, a local planter who bought 1,000 acres of land in its vicinity in 1754.
However, Claude V. Jackson III in his Cape Fear River survey, suggests it might have been named for Thomas Smith, another area landowner in the early 1700s.
Sometimes called Smiths Creek, the creek has appeared on local maps since the early 18th century. Meandering through north-central New Hanover County, Smith Creek drains into the Northeast Cape Fear River, just north of where the Northeast Cape Fear and the main Cape Fear channel come together.
Until very recently, the creekside was largely rural, and the creek is known for its large pupulation of alligators. A swing bridge, built in 1931, crosses Smith Creek on Castle Hayne Road.
In 2011, New Hanover County opened Smith Creek Park, a 92-acre facility with kayak and canoe launches and a 1.25-mile hiking trail, located off Gordon and Harris roads. (Because of the alligators, swimming in the creek is not advised.)
The county has announced plans to develop a “greenway” along the creek from North Kerr Avenue to Murrayville Road, using grant money.
RELATED LINKS:
StarNews: Officials approve $232,435 for Kayak launch on Smith Creek
How deep is the lake at Smith Creek Park?
What is the shack located on the bridge crossing Smith Creek on Castle Hayne Road near McRae Street?
Date posted: November 20, 2013
User-contributed question by:
William Roy
Talk to us!
Have a comment about this post or know more about the answer? Use this form to let us know. Note that all comments are moderated and must be approved before they are posted, although you may see your own comments the first time you post them.