Meherrin River
The Meherrin River is a long river in Virginia and North Carolina in the United States. It is a sixth-order tributary of the Chowan River, which it joins in Hertford County, North Carolina.Etymology
The river was named after the Meherrin Indians, whose territory was along it. According to the Geographic Names Information System, it has also been known historically as the:
- Maherine River
- Maherrin River
- Mehearin River
- Meherin River
- Pochike River
- Wayanock
- Woodford River
Course
The Meherrin River forms at the confluence of the North Meherrin River and South Meherrin River at Reekes Mill, Virginia, then flows southeastward into North Carolina to join the Chowan River about north of Chowan Beach in Hertford County, North Carolina. A high dam on the river creates a reservoir in Emporia, Virginia. For most of its length, the Meherrin is not large enough for commercial traffic, but it widens somewhat between Murfreesboro, North Carolina, and the Chowan. Prior to the American Civil War, this wider section of the river was a significant trading route for Northeastern North Carolina.Watershed
The Meherrin River drainage basin includes an area of , receives an average of about of precipitation per year, has a wetness index of 495.22, and is about 46% forested.