Tallapoosa River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tallapoosa River |
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Tallapoosa River drainage (Alabama counties) in 4 lakes: Harris Lake, Martin Lake, Yates Lake & Tallasee Lake
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama and Georgia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 33°50′48″N 85°00′45″W / 33.84667°N 85.01250°W |
| River mouth | 32°30′09″N 86°15′48″W / 32.50250°N 86.26333°W |
| Length | 265 mi (426 km) |
The Tallapoosa River is a long river in the southeastern United States. It flows for about 265 miles (426 km) (426 km) from the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia. The river then moves south and west into the hills of Alabama. It starts where two smaller streams, McClendon Creek and Mud Creek, meet in Paulding County, Georgia.
A big and popular lake called Lake Martin is on the Tallapoosa River near Alexander City, Alabama. This lake was made by building a dam across the river. The Tallapoosa River later joins the Coosa River near Wetumpka in Elmore County, Alabama. Together, they form the Alabama River.
There are four dams on the Tallapoosa River: Yates, Thurlow, Martin, and Harris dams. These dams are very important. They create electricity for Alabama Power and offer fun places for people to visit.
Contents
What is the Tallapoosa River Like?
The Tallapoosa River was a very important place for the Creek Native American people long ago. This was especially true for the lower part of the river before the 1800s. The name "Tallapoosa" comes from Creek words, Talwa posa, which means "Grandmother Town." The Creek people believe that the Tallapoosa branch of their tribe is one of the oldest.
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is a special place along the Tallapoosa River, just above Lake Martin. This park is managed by the National Park Service. It protects the site of an important battle from the Creek War.
Below the Thurlow Dam, the river is a great spot for whitewater kayaking. It has exciting sections with Class II, III, and IV rapids. The town of Tallapoosa, Georgia is named after the river, which flows nearby.
How Many Dams are on the Tallapoosa River?
The first hydroelectric dam in Alabama was built on the Tallapoosa River in 1902. It was built by Henry C. Jones, an engineer from Auburn University. This dam was at the same spot where the Yates Dam is today. A big flood in 1919 destroyed it, but it was rebuilt. In 1928, the Yates Dam replaced the older one.
Today, there are four main dams on the Tallapoosa River that produce electricity:
- Yates Dam
- Thurlow Dam
- Martin Dam
- R.L. Harris Dam
The table below shows these dams from south to north along the river.
| Impoundment | Description | Images |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Thurlow (Lower Tallasee Dam) | Lake Thurlow was created in 1930. The Thurlow Dam was built in Tallassee. This was the site of an old textile mill from the early 1800s. During the Civil War, the mill made uniforms and ammunition. The Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge crosses the river just south of Thurlow Dam. | |
| Lake Yates (Upper Tallasee Dam) | Lake Yates was created on July 1, 1928. It was named after Eugene A. Yates, who was the Chief Engineer for Alabama Power's dam projects. The closest town is Tallassee, Alabama. Alabama Power has one public area here for people to visit. | |
| Lake Martin | Lake Martin was created on December 31, 1926. It was named after Thomas Martin, a former president of Alabama Power Company. The lake covers 44,000 acres (160 km²) and has 700 miles (1000 km) of shoreline. The nearest town is Alexander City, Alabama. Lake Martin is a popular place for fun activities. It is also great for fishing different types of fish like largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and striped bass. Alabama Power has eleven public access points around the lake. | |
| Lake R. L. Harris (Lake Wedowee) | Lake R. L. Harris was created on April 20, 1983. It was named after Rother L. "Judge" Harris, an Alabama Power director. This lake covers 10,600 acres (43 km²) and has 271 miles (436 km) of shoreline. The closest town is Lineville, Alabama. Lake R. L. Harris is also a fun lake for fishing. You can catch largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and striped bass here. Alabama Power has six public access points on this lake. |
What Rivers and Creeks Flow into the Tallapoosa?
Many important rivers and creeks flow into the Tallapoosa River. These are called tributaries. They are listed below based on where they join the river along its path.
| Location | Tributaries |
|---|---|
| From the start of the river to H.L. Harris Dam | Little Tallapoosa River |
| From H.L. Harris Dam to Martin Dam | Emuckfaw Creek, Sandy Creek, Wind Creek, Chikasanoxee Creek, Hillabee Creek |
| From Martin Dam to Yates Dam | Saugahatchee Creek |
| From Yates Dam to Thurlow Dam | No Major Tributaries |
| From Thurlow Dam to where it meets the Coosa River | Tumcheehatchee Creek, Chubbehatchee Creek, Cubahatchee Creek, Calabee Creek, Line Creek |
Who Helps Protect the Tallapoosa River?
Several groups work to protect and improve the Tallapoosa River and nearby water systems:
- The Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association started in 1890. They work to make the Coosa and Tallapoosa River systems better for the economy, fun activities, and the environment.
- The Alabama Rivers Alliance helps bring people together in Alabama. Their goal is to protect everyone's right to clean and healthy water.
- Alabama Water Watch is a group of volunteers. They check the water quality in Alabama's rivers.
- The Alabama Power Foundation gives money to projects that help rivers, the environment, and communities along the Tallapoosa River and in Alabama.
- The Coosa River Basin Initiative is a local environmental group. They teach people about the Coosa River Basin and help them get involved in keeping it clean and healthy.
Which Cities are Along the Tallapoosa River?
Many important cities are located on the banks of the Tallapoosa River:
- Heflin, Alabama - near where the river starts
- Buchanan, Georgia - near where the river starts
- Tallapoosa, Georgia - near where the river starts
- Wedowee, Alabama - near R. L Harris Lake (Lake Wedowee)
- Lineville, Alabama - near R.L Harris Lake (Lake Wedowee)
- Wadley, Alabama - on the banks of the Tallapoosa River
- Alexander City, Alabama - on the north side of Lake Martin
- Dadeville, Alabama - on the south side of Lake Martin
- Tallassee, Alabama - where the Lower Tallassee Dam is located
- Wetumpka, Alabama - near where the Tallapoosa River meets the Coosa River
- Montgomery, Alabama - the Tallapoosa River provides most of the drinking water for this city.
See also
In Spanish: Río Tallapoosa para niños
