Potomac River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Potomac River |
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The Potomac River watershed covers the District of Columbia and parts of four states
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| Native name | Patawomeck |
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia |
| Cities | Cumberland, MD, Harpers Ferry, WV, Washington, D.C., Alexandria, VA |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Fairfax Stone Preston County, West Virginia, United States 3,060 ft (930 m) 39°11′43″N 79°29′28″W / 39.19528°N 79.49111°W |
| River mouth | Chesapeake Bay St. Mary's County, Maryland/Northumberland County, Virginia, United States 0 ft (0 m) 37°59′57″N 76°14′59″W / 37.99917°N 76.24972°W |
| Length | 405 mi (652 km) |
| Discharge (location 2) |
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| Discharge (location 3) |
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| Discharge (location 4) |
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| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 14,700 sq mi (38,000 km2) |
| Tributaries | |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------ Note: Since 1996, the Potomac has been the 'sister river' of the Ara River of Tokyo, Japan |
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The Potomac River is a major river in the United States. It flows through the Mid-Atlantic region. The river starts in the Potomac Highlands and empties into the Chesapeake Bay. It is about 405 miles (652 km) long.
The Potomac River's watershed covers about 14,700 square miles (38,000 km2). This makes it the fourth largest river along the Atlantic coast of the United States. It is also the 21st largest river in the entire country. More than 5 million people live in the Potomac River watershed.
The river forms part of the borders between several states. It separates Maryland and Washington, D.C. from West Virginia and Virginia. Most of the lower Potomac River is part of Maryland. However, a small tidal part is in Washington, D.C. Also, some bays and shorelines on the Virginia side belong to Virginia.
The North Branch Potomac River is mostly considered part of Maryland. This is true even though its very beginning is in West Virginia. The South Branch Potomac River is almost entirely within West Virginia. Only its starting point is in Virginia.
Contents
The Potomac River: A Historic Waterway
The Potomac River has played a big role in American history. It flows past many important places. These include Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. Many historical events happened along its banks.
Where the River Flows
The Potomac River starts high in the mountains. This area is known as the Potomac Highlands. It then flows southeast towards the Atlantic Ocean. Along its journey, it passes through different landscapes. These include mountains, valleys, and flat coastal plains.
The river has two main branches. These are the North Branch and the South Branch. They meet before the river continues its journey. Many smaller streams and rivers also flow into the Potomac. These are called tributaries.
The Potomac's Importance
The Potomac River is very important for many reasons. It provides drinking water for millions of people. This includes residents of Washington, D.C. and nearby areas. The river is also used for transportation and recreation. People enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking on its waters.
The river's watershed is home to many different plants and animals. Protecting the river's health is very important. This helps keep the environment clean and safe for everyone.
American Heritage River
In 1998, President Bill Clinton named the Potomac River an "American Heritage River." This special title means the river is important for its natural beauty, history, and culture. It helps people work together to protect and restore the river.
A Sister River in Japan
Did you know the Potomac River has a "sister river"? Since 1996, it has been connected with the Ara River in Tokyo, Japan. This partnership helps people from both countries learn about rivers and how to protect them.
Wildlife and Nature
The Potomac River and its surrounding areas are full of amazing wildlife. Many different animals call this river home.
Fish and Aquatic Life
The river is home to many types of fish. These include bass, catfish, and perch. After being gone for many years, the American Shad has recently returned to the Potomac. This is a sign that the river's health is improving.
Mammals and Birds
You might even spot some larger animals near the river. Several hundred bottle-nosed dolphins live in the Potomac for about six months each year. They are usually there from mid-April to mid-October. Many different bird species also live along the river. These include bald eagles, ospreys, and various waterfowl.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The areas around the Potomac are also home to reptiles and amphibians. You might see Eastern Box Turtles along the C&O Canal towpath. Five-lined skinks are also found in the region.
Images for kids
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President Bill Clinton designated the Potomac as one of the American Heritage Rivers in 1998
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The Potomac River in Washington, D.C., with Arlington Memorial Bridge in the foreground and Rosslyn, Arlington, Virginia in the background
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Map showing the five geological provinces through which the Potomac River flows
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The North Branch between Cumberland, Maryland, and Ridgeley, West Virginia, in 2007
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Canoers at Hanging Rocks on the South Branch in the 1890s
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Confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah at Harpers Ferry
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View southwest across the tidal Potomac River from the south end of Cobb Island Road on Cobb Island, Charles County, Maryland
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Captain John Smith's 1608 map
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View of the Potomac River from George Washington's birthplace in Westmoreland County, Virginia
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Sunset over the Potomac near Mount Vernon
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The Potomac River surges over the deck of Chain Bridge during the historic 1936 flood.
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Green water in Washington, D.C., caused by a dense bloom of tiny plants (algae), April 2012
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This chart displays the Annual Mean Discharge of the Potomac River measured at Little Falls, Maryland for Water Years 1931–2017 (in cubic feet per second). Source of data: USGS
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Map of land use in the watershed
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After an absence lasting many decades, the American Shad has recently returned to the Potomac.
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Several hundred bottle-nosed dolphins live six months of the year (from mid-April through mid-October) in the Potomac. Depicted here, a mother with her young.
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Eastern Box Turtles are frequently spotted along the towpath of the C&O Canal.
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Five-lined skink, juvenile
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The South Branch near South Branch Depot, West Virginia
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Confluence of the Cacapon River (barely visible) with the Potomac
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Oblique air photo, facing southwest, of the Potomac River flowing through water gaps in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia on the left, Maryland on the right, West Virginia in upper right, including Harpers Ferry at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
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Potomac River at Goose Creek
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The Great Falls of the Potomac, viewed from the Virginia bank of the river (Engraving based on an aquatint drawn by George Jacob Beck in 1802)
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View of the Potomac River, Analostan Island, Georgetown, and, in the distance, buildings of the nascent City of Washington. (Engraving based on an 1801 watercolor by George Jacob Beck)
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Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., viewed from across the Tidal Basin of the Potomac
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The Pentagon, looking northeast with the Potomac in the distance
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East Branch of the Potomac (now called the Anacostia River) near its confluence with the mainstem Potomac in Washington. (Watercolor drawn in 1839 by Augustus Kollner)
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View of the Potomac from Mount Vernon
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Potomac River seen while landing at Reagan National Airport
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View northeast down the North Branch Potomac River from the Gorman-Gormania Bridge (U.S. Route 50) between Gormania, Grant County, West Virginia and Gorman, Garrett County, Maryland
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The North Branch Potomac River near Piedmont, WV
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The South Branch Potomac River near South Branch Depot, WV
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The South Branch of the Potomac River at Millesons Mill, WV
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Potomac River Watershed in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland
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See also
In Spanish: Río Potomac para niños
