Tugaloo River facts for kids
The Tugaloo River is a river about 46 miles (74 kilometers) long. It creates the natural border between the states of Georgia and South Carolina in the United States. The river gets its name from an old Cherokee town called Tugaloo. This town was located where Toccoa Creek meets the river.
The Tugaloo River starts from two other rivers: the Tallulah River and the Chattooga River. These rivers flow into Lake Tugalo, which is next to Tallulah Gorge State Park in Georgia. From Lake Tugalo, the Tugaloo River flows through Tugaloo Dam and then into Lake Yonah, passing Yonah Dam. The river eventually flows into Lake Hartwell. The Seneca River also joins Lake Hartwell. After Lake Hartwell, the Tugaloo River becomes part of the larger Savannah River.
History of the Tugaloo River
The Tugaloo River has an interesting history. For a long time, Georgia and South Carolina argued about who owned the river and its islands. These arguments were finally settled by a special agreement called the Treaty of Beaufort in 1787. Later, the U.S. Supreme Court helped to make sure everyone understood the agreement in 1922 and 1989.
The river was also part of important agreements with Native American tribes. These included the Treaty of Hopewell and the Treaty of New York (1790).
Fun on the River
The Tugaloo River is known for its exciting whitewater sections. These parts of the river have fast-moving water and rapids. This makes it a popular spot for people who love to go kayaking and canoeing. Adventurers come from all over the Southeast to experience the challenging waters.
Cherokee History Along the River
The area around the Tugaloo River is rich in history. It was once home to the Cherokee people. Later, pioneers and early American settlers lived here too. The Stephens County Foundation is working to highlight this history.
South of Yonah Dam, there was once an important Cherokee town called Estatoe. Today, there is a special place called Tugaloo Bend Heritage Park. This 87-acre park helps people learn about the history of the area. It is part of the Tugaloo River Historic Corridor. This corridor includes many historical sites along the river, stretching south to the original Tugaloo town of the Cherokee.
The name of the river itself, Tugaloo, comes from the Cherokee word ᏚᎩᎷᏱ (Sugiluyi). This was the name of the historic Cherokee town located near where Toccoa Creek meets the river.
