The Potomac River is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, stretching across four states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is approximately 24 feet deep on average, with a navigable channel depth of about 108 miles. The river is a significant part of American history and heritage, playing a role in the American Civil War and serving as the southern headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. With a drainage area of around 14,700 square miles, it is the fourth-largest river along the East Coast and the 21st largest in the country. The closest cities to the river include Bethesda and Brunswick, Maryland, and Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average Depth | 24 feet (7.3152 m) |
Deepest Point | 107 feet (32.16 m) |
Length | 405 miles (652 km) |
Drainage Area | 14,700 square miles (38,000 km2) |
Width | 1,300 feet (upstream from Great Falls to Harpers Ferry); 11 miles (at its widest) |
Location | Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. |
Tributaries | Shenandoah, Monocacy, Anacostia, Antietam Creek, Catoctin Creek, Conococheague Creek, North Branch, South Branch, Occoquan River, Savage River, Seneca Creek, and Shenandoah River |
Population | Approximately 6.89 million (2020 estimate) |
Industries | Agriculture, forestry, fishing, coal mining, paper production, light industry, high-tech industry |
What You'll Learn
The river is 24 feet deep on average
The Potomac River is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, stretching across four states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is known as "the Nation's River" due to its rich American history and cultural significance. With a length of 405 miles and a drainage area of 14,700 square miles, the river plays a crucial role in shaping the region's landscape and providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.
The river's depth is an important aspect of its geography. On average, the Potomac River has a depth of 24 feet, according to the U.S. Department of Interior. This depth allows for navigability along about 108 miles of the river. However, it's important to note that the river's depth can vary at different points along its course.
The river's depth is influenced by several factors, including its terrain and the surrounding landscape. Near Brunswick, Maryland, the river's depth is likely to be similar to the average depth mentioned earlier. However, it's worth noting that the river's depth can be affected by natural variations, water flow, and other environmental factors.
The Potomac River holds a significant place in American history. Many battles of the American Civil War were fought along its banks and tributaries. Additionally, the river has been a vital transportation route and a source of drinking water for the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. The river's beauty and historical significance continue to attract millions of visitors each year, who come to explore its vast basin through activities such as paddling, fishing, boating, and hiking.
The river's depth plays a crucial role in shaping the river's ecology and the experiences of those who visit it. The 24-foot average depth of the Potomac River allows for a balance between calm waters for recreational activities and a strong water flow that supports the region's biodiversity.
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The deepest point is 107 feet deep, near Morgantown
The Potomac River is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, stretching across four states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is known as "the Nation's River" due to its rich American history and cultural significance.
The river is approximately 405 miles long, flowing from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The Potomac basin, or watershed, covers an extensive area of 14,670 to 14,700 square miles. This vast drainage area includes parts of the four states mentioned, as well as the District of Columbia.
Now, let's focus on the depth of the river at Brunswick, Maryland, and the surrounding areas. The average depth of the Potomac River is 24 feet, but it reaches a maximum depth of 107 feet near Morgantown. This deepest point is located in the tidal portion of the river, just below Washington, D.C., and it's important for navigation.
Brunswick, Maryland, is indeed a town close to the river. It is one of the closest towns to the river, along with Bethesda, MD, Arlington and Alexandria, VA, Falling Waters, and Campells, WV. The river plays a crucial role in the lives of the residents of these towns and the surrounding areas.
The Potomac River has a diverse history and has witnessed many significant events. Native American tribes, such as the Patawomeck, lived along its banks, and Captain John Smith explored the river in 1608. The river was also a strategic location during the American Civil War, with many battles fought in its vicinity. The river's beauty and historical significance continue to attract millions of visitors each year who come to explore its natural wonders and engage in activities such as paddling, fishing, boating, and hiking.
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The river is 405 miles long
The Potomac River is 405 miles long. It is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, flowing from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The river is the fourth-largest along the East Coast of the United States and the 21st-largest in the country.
The Potomac's length of 405 miles (652 km) is measured from the Fairfax Stone Historical Monument State Park in West Virginia on the Allegheny Plateau to Point Lookout in Maryland. The river traverses five geological provinces: the Appalachian Plateau, the Ridge and Valley, the Blue Ridge, the Piedmont Plateau, and the Atlantic coastal plain.
The river forms a natural border between several states and Washington, D.C. On its left descending bank, the Potomac forms the boundary between Maryland and Washington, D.C., while on its right descending bank, it separates West Virginia from Virginia. The Potomac River's watershed covers parts of four states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.
The river's drainage area covers approximately 14,670 to 14,700 square miles, and it provides a habitat for diverse wildlife and fish species. The river also offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, paddling, hiking, and boating for millions of visitors to the vast river basin.
The Potomac has a significant cultural and historical legacy, with George Washington choosing to build his home at Mount Vernon along its banks, forever identifying it as the "Nation's River." The river's name, "Potomac," is derived from the Algonquian name "Patawomeck" for a Native American village on its southern bank.
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The river is 1,300 feet wide upstream from Great Falls to Harpers Ferry
The Potomac River is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, stretching 405 miles from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The river is steeped in natural resources, culture, and history, and has been dubbed ""the Nation's River"" by George Washington.
The river's width varies along its course, reaching between 2 and 8 miles at its widest point between Point Lookout and Smith Point, just before it flows into the Chesapeake Bay. Upstream from Great Falls to Harpers Ferry, the river is 1,300 feet wide. This stretch of the river is particularly noteworthy for its rugged terrain and frequent flooding. Harpers Ferry, where the Potomac meets its first tributary, the Shenandoah River, is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as camping, paddlesports, freshwater fishing, hiking, and birdwatching.
The Potomac River holds significant historical significance, with Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, located on its banks. The river played a crucial role in the American Revolution and the Civil War, and has been integral to industrial progress and the country's economy. The river is also rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, bass, muskellunge, pike, and walleye.
The river's name, "Potomac," is derived from "Patawomeck," as recorded by colonist John Smith in 1608. The river traverses five geological provinces: the Appalachian Plateau, the Ridge and Valley, the Blue Ridge, the Piedmont Plateau, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The Potomac watershed spans four states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia, covering an area of approximately 14,670 square miles.
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The river is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed
The Potomac River is a major river in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is located in the east-central part of the country and flows from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. The river is 405 miles long and has a drainage area of 14,700 square miles. The river forms part of the borders between Maryland and Washington, D.C., and between West Virginia and Virginia.
The Chesapeake Bay was formed nearly 12,000 years ago when glaciers melted and flooded the Susquehanna River valley. The Bay is approximately 200 miles long, stretching from Havre de Grace, Maryland, to Norfolk, Virginia. It has an average depth of 21 feet, with the deepest part, known as "The Hole," reaching 174 feet deep and located off of Bloody Point, southeast of Annapolis, Maryland.
The Chesapeake Bay watershed includes more than 100,000 streams, creeks, and rivers, which are called tributaries. These tributaries act as pipelines that connect communities to the Bay. The five largest rivers in the watershed are the Susquehanna, Potomac, Rappahannock, York, and James. The Potomac River is the second-largest watershed within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Frequently asked questions
The Potomac River is 24 feet deep on average. Its deepest point is 107 feet deep, located near Morgantown in the tidal portion of the river just below Washington, D.C.
The Potomac River is predominantly located in Maryland. It forms a portion of the borders between Maryland and Washington, D.C., and between Virginia and West Virginia. The closest cities to the river are Bethesda and Brunswick, MD, Arlington and Alexandria, VA, Falling Waters and Campells, WV.
The Potomac River is nicknamed "the Nation's River" due to its richness in American history and heritage. It is home to many Native American tribes and served as an avenue for transport during the American Civil War. The river basin is also where George Washington, the first President of the United States, spent most of his life.