Purgatory Creek

"Purgatory - A place or condition of temporal punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace, are, not entirely free from venial faults, or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their transgressions." - Catholic Enclycopedia



A small creek runs along Highway 101 and Old Excelsior Road with an engaging name. Purgatory Creek. The waters of this creek wind slowly through its sticky clay surface and marshes. Early settlers gave it the name "Purgatory" because their heavily loaded carts and wagons became bogged down in the sticky clay-like soil. It was a source of misery for many in their journey, slowing their travel to Excelsior and other destinations.