Maumee River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Maumee River
The Maumee River at Grand Rapids, Ohio
Map of the Maumee River watershed
Country	United States
States	Indiana, Ohio
Cities and towns	Fort Wayne, Indiana; New Haven, Indiana; Antwerp, Ohio; Cecil, Ohio; Defiance, Ohio; Florida, Ohio; Napoleon, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Ohio; Waterville, Ohio; Maumee, Ohio; Perrysburg, Ohio; Rossford, Ohio; Toledo, Ohio; Oregon, Ohio
Physical characteristics
Main source	Fort Wayne by the confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Marys 750 ft (230 m) 41°04′58″N 85°07′56″W / 41.0827778°N 85.1322222°W / 41.0827778; -85.1322222 (Maumee River origin)
River mouth	Lake Erie at Toledo 571 ft (174 m) 41°41′58″N 83°27′36″W / 41.6994444°N 83.46°W / 41.6994444; -83.46 (Maumee River mouth)
Length	137 miles (220 km)
Basin features
Progression	Northeast
Basin size	6,354 sq mi (16,460 km2)

The Maumee River is an important river in the United States. It flows from northeastern Indiana into northwestern Ohio. Finally, it empties into Lake Erie. The big city of Toledo is right where the Maumee River meets Lake Erie.

This river is special because it has the largest watershed of any river that flows into the Great Lakes. A watershed is all the land area where water drains into a specific river. The Maumee River provides about five percent of the water that goes into Lake Erie.

Where the Maumee River Flows

The Maumee River starts in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This is where two smaller rivers, the St. Joseph River and the St. Marys River, join together. From Fort Wayne, the Maumee River flows northeast. It travels about 137 miles (220 kilometers) through parts of Indiana and Ohio.

Journey to Lake Erie

As the river moves through Ohio, it passes by several towns and cities. These include Defiance, Ohio, Napoleon, Ohio, and Perrysburg, Ohio. The river's journey ends when it flows into Lake Erie at Toledo. This makes Toledo an important port city.

Why the Maumee River is Important

The Maumee River has been very important for people for a long time. Native American tribes like the Shawnee and Miami lived along its banks. They used the river for travel, fishing, and trade. The river's name comes from the Miami-Illinois language.

Historical Significance

In the past, the Maumee River was a key route for transportation. It helped early settlers move goods and people. The river's path also played a role in historical events. For example, the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794 happened near the river. This battle was a big moment in the history of the Northwest Territory.

Modern Uses

Today, the Maumee River is still very useful. It provides water for farms and industries. People also use the river for fun activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. Many parks and nature areas are found along its banks. These places offer great spots for outdoor adventures.

Water Quality

Because the Maumee River flows through a lot of farmland, it can carry nutrients like phosphorus into Lake Erie. This can sometimes cause algal blooms in the lake. Scientists and local groups are working hard to keep the river and Lake Erie clean and healthy for everyone.

Wildlife and Nature

The Maumee River and its surrounding areas are home to many different kinds of plants and animals. The river supports various fish species. These include walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish. Many birds also live near the river, such as bald eagles and great blue herons.

The Great Black Swamp

Before it was settled, much of the land around the Maumee River was part of a huge wetland called the Great Black Swamp. This swamp was full of thick forests and wet areas. It was a challenging place to travel through. Over time, most of the swamp was drained for farming. However, efforts are now being made to restore some of these important wetland habitats. These habitats help filter water and provide homes for wildlife.

Images for kids

• 

  An Island in the Maumee River, Toledo, Ohio, 1909

• 

  Sheet's Island, Maumee River, Maumee, Ohio, 1900s

• 

  Huffman Island, Maumee River, Toledo, Ohio, 1907

• 

  Ice Buildup on Maumee River at Cherry Street Bridge in Toledo, Ohio, 1924

• 

  The general extent of the Great Black Swamp prior to the 19th century

• 

  The St. Marys River (left) and St. Joseph River (right) converge to form the Maumee River (foreground) in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

• 

  The Veterans' Glass City Skyway in Toledo, Ohio

• 

  Toledo, Ohio

• 

  The river in Grand Rapids, Ohio

See also

In Spanish: Río Maumee para niños