The Ohio River is one of the most significant waterways in the United States, stretching approximately 981 miles from its origin at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to its mouth at the Mississippi River in Cairo, Illinois. The river forms the borders of six states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Understanding the Ohio River map is essential for navigation, commerce, and environmental conservation.
Geography and Course of the Ohio River
The Ohio River’s course can be divided into three main sections: the upper, middle, and lower sections. The upper section, from Pittsburgh to Wheeling, West Virginia, is characterized by a series of locks and dams that facilitate navigation. The middle section, from Wheeling to Cincinnati, Ohio, is marked by a mix of rural and urban landscapes, with several major cities and industrial centers. The lower section, from Cincinnati to Cairo, is dominated by agricultural land and is home to several major tributaries, including the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers.
Key Features and Landmarks
Several key features and landmarks are found along the Ohio River, including the Ohio River Valley, which is one of the most fertile and productive agricultural regions in the country. The river also passes through several major cities, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Wheeling, West Virginia; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Louisville, Kentucky. Other notable landmarks include the Ohio River Islands, which provide critical habitat for wildlife, and the Markland Dam, which is one of the largest dams on the river.
| Section | Length (miles) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | 141 | Pittsburgh, Wheeling, Locks and Dams |
| Middle | 340 | Cincinnati, Louisville, Ohio River Valley |
| Lower | 500 | Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, Agricultural land |
Economic and Environmental Importance
The Ohio River plays a vital role in the regional economy, supporting a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production. The river is also a critical source of drinking water for millions of people, and its watershed is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals. However, the river also faces several environmental challenges, including pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change.
Conservation Efforts
Several organizations and initiatives are working to protect and conserve the Ohio River and its watershed. These efforts include the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission, which works to improve water quality, and the Ohio River Basin Alliance, which promotes sustainable land use and conservation practices. Additionally, several national and state parks, such as the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, provide critical habitat for wildlife and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
What is the length of the Ohio River?
+The Ohio River is approximately 981 miles long, stretching from its origin at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to its mouth at the Mississippi River in Cairo, Illinois.
What are the main sections of the Ohio River?
+The Ohio River can be divided into three main sections: the upper section, from Pittsburgh to Wheeling, West Virginia; the middle section, from Wheeling to Cincinnati, Ohio; and the lower section, from Cincinnati to Cairo, Illinois.
What are some of the key features and landmarks along the Ohio River?
+Several key features and landmarks are found along the Ohio River, including the Ohio River Valley, Pittsburgh, Wheeling, Cincinnati, Louisville, the Ohio River Islands, and the Markland Dam.
