Introduction

The Allegheny River is a major river in the northeastern United States, flowing for 325 miles through Pennsylvania and New York. It is a tributary of the Ohio River, and together with the Monongahela River, it forms the Ohio River at Pittsburgh. The Allegheny River is known for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. In this guide, we will explore the history, geography, and source of the Allegheny River.

History of the Allegheny River

The Allegheny River has played an important role in the history of the United States. Native American tribes, including the Seneca and the Iroquois, lived along the river for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the 17th century. French explorers, including Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, and Louis Joliet, explored the river in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The river was named by the French, who called it “La Belle Riviere” (the beautiful river).

The Allegheny River played a key role in the French and Indian War (1754-1763) and the American Revolution (1775-1783). During the 19th century, the river was an important transportation route for timber, coal, and oil. The Allegheny River Valley was also a center of industry, with steel mills, glass factories, and other manufacturing facilities.

Where Does the Allegheny River Start?

The Allegheny River starts in Potter County, Pennsylvania, near the town of Coudersport. The river is formed by the confluence of two smaller streams, the East Branch and the West Branch of the Allegheny River. The East Branch starts in Elk County, Pennsylvania, and flows for 46 miles before joining the West Branch in Cameron County, Pennsylvania. The West Branch starts in McKean County, Pennsylvania, and flows for 77 miles before joining the East Branch.

The Allegheny River flows northward from its source, through the Allegheny Plateau region of Pennsylvania and New York. It passes through the Allegheny Reservoir, a large man-made lake created by the Kinzua Dam. The river then flows through the Allegheny National Forest and the Allegheny River Valley, before joining the Monongahela River at Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River.

Geography of the Allegheny River

The Allegheny River is a large, meandering river that flows through a diverse range of landscapes. It starts in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania and flows through the Allegheny Plateau region, which is characterized by rolling hills and forests. The river then flows through the Allegheny Reservoir, a large lake surrounded by mountains and forests.

As the river flows northward, it passes through the Allegheny National Forest, which covers over 500,000 acres of land in Pennsylvania. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles. The river then flows through the Allegheny River Valley, which is a fertile agricultural region that has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years.

Conclusion

The Allegheny River is a beautiful and important river in the northeastern United States. It has played a key role in the history of the region, and it continues to be an important resource for recreation, transportation, and industry. By learning about the history, geography, and source of the Allegheny River, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable natural resource.