Hey there! If you enjoy the great outdoors, you’ve likely heard of the majestic Ohio River that carves through Louisville and other parts of Kentucky. This iconic river has shaped the culture and landscape of Kentucky for centuries. Sit back and let me walk you through everything you need to know about the Ohio River – from its rich history to its ecosystems and recreation. You’ll be an expert by the time we’re done!
Where Does the Ohio River Start and End?
The Ohio River originates way up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers converge. From there, it winds southwest for 981 miles, flowing through the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois before pouring into the mighty Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. That confluence marks the endpoint of the river‘s long journey.
Here are some key stats about the river:
- Length: 981 miles
- Watershed Size: Over 200,000 square miles
- River Basin Population: Around 15 million people
- Average Discharge: Over 281,000 cubic feet per second!
What’s So Special About the Ohio River Valley?
The Ohio River Valley is the fertile area surrounding the river. This region played a pivotal role in the history and development of the United States.
- Home to many Native American tribes like the Shawnee and Delaware who used the river extensively.
- Served as a gateway to the west for early American explorers.
- Its borders outline the Northwest Territory that became 5 different states.
- Riverside cities like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Louisville became industrial and economic hubs.
- Still a major commercial waterway today.
How Deep and Wide is the Ohio River?
Let‘s get into some specifics on the river‘s size and contours:
- Average depth along the length of the river is around 24 feet.
- In Louisville, the depth ranges from 20 feet around Waterfront Park to almost 150 feet at its deepest spot!
- Width averages around 1,000 feet across.
- Near Uniontown, Kentucky, it balloons out to over 1 mile wide!
That‘s a whole lot of water flowing through the region. The Ohio is the 2nd largest river by volume in the entire United States.
What Wildlife Calls the Ohio River Home?
The Ohio River hosts an incredibly diverse ecosystem with over 150 species of fish living in its waters. Here are some of the swimming creatures you may encounter:
- Sport fish like bass, walleye, trout, and the elusive 50 lb+ musky prized by anglers.
- Prehistoric relics including paddlefish, lake sturgeon, gars, and buffalo fish.
- Catfish, sunfish, chub, darters, drum, and minnows.
- Invasive Asian carp that threaten native species.
Around 200 species of birds like ospreys, ducks, and bald eagles rely on the river for sustenance and habitat. You may also spot river otters, beavers, mink, and more semi-aquatic mammals. Let‘s not forget about the world-class catfishing too!
What Role Does the River Play in Louisville?
As Kentucky‘s largest city on the Ohio River, Louisville depends greatly on the mighty river for:
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Transportation of Goods: Around 30 million tons of commodities are shipped on the river each year. Barges carry everything from grains to steel.
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Economic Engine: Riverside industries flourished here for over 200 years, including shipping, manufacturing, and distilling spirits.
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Recreation: I love kayaking on the river and attending festivals at Louisville‘s Waterfront Park.
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Water Supply: The Ohio provides drinking water to over 1 million Louisville residents.
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Natural Beauty: The riverfront skyline is featured on countless postcards and is a source of Louisville pride.
Is it Safe to Swim in the Ohio River?
You may be wondering if you can safely take a dip in the Ohio River when visiting Louisville. Here are a few tips:
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Currents: The river has strong currents, especially around dams, that pose a drowning hazard. Avoid areas with fast water flow.
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Debris: Lots of barge traffic kicks up sediment and rubbish that makes some areas unsafe. Scope out your swimming spot first.
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Pollution: Decades of industrial use has increased pollution levels in the river. Some areas are cleaner than others.
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Wildlife: Keep watch for passing river barges and stay clear of large catfish and gar fish with sharp teeth!
Overall, it‘s legal to swim in much of the Ohio River but do take proper precautions. Opt for calm pools, public beaches with lifeguards, and wear a life jacket. Better to be safe than sorry!
Can You Go Under the River? Tunneling Beneath the Ohio
Remarkably, there are two tunnels that pass right beneath the Ohio River:
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The Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport Tunnel connects Cincinnati to the airport in Covington. At 5,184 feet long, you can travel between states under the river!
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The historic Kingdom Come Tunnel near Huntington opened in 1929 as the first river passage between Kentucky and West Virginia. It stretches 457 feet.
Going through the tunnels is a unique way to get across the river divides. Pretty fascinating feat of engineering!
The Ohio River‘s Greatest Moments
Let‘s explore some of the most memorable events in this river‘s long history:
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Native American Trade Route: For thousands of years, tribes like the Shawnee traveled the river trading goods and resources.
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Early Settlement: Frontiersmen first arrived in Louisville via the Ohio River in the 1770s.
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Underground Railroad: The river enabled many slaves to cross to freedom in the North before the Civil War.
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1937 Flood: Extreme Ohio River flooding covered 70% of Louisville and led to flood control measures.
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1959 Opening of McAlpine Locks: This engineering marvel tamed the challenging Louisville falls for barges.
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1988 Belle of Louisville Centennial: Louisville‘s iconic steamboat turned 100 years old and still cruises the river today!
From prehistory to present day, the Ohio River stands as an ever-flowing testament to changing times.
Final Thoughts on the Ohio River‘s Majesty
Well there you have it – everything you could want to know about the incredible Ohio River! From its fish and tunnels to its history and recreation, I hope this guide gave you a comprehensive look at this vital waterway.
Next time you’re in Louisville, be sure to take a stroll down the riverwalk or book a paddleboat cruise. Catching a fiery sunset over the lively riverfront will have you appreciating the beauty of the Ohio River like never before. Let me know if you have any other river questions!
