Two of the main tributaries of the James River are the Pipestem Creek and the Little Pipestem Creek. These streams may be found in the southwestern corner of the county. They were never very large streams but usually flowed all the time except in the very dry years. Fishing was good along the banks. The fish came upstream from the James River. Tradition tells the story of how these streams were named.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 7