Source- GeeksforGeeks
America is a bright western country where the rivers occupy 3.5 miles of land (approximately 4.9% of the country). The longest rivers in America also hold a place in some of the longest rivers in the world. These rivers include all sizes, from large river systems- like the Mississippi and Missouri to small streams and creeks.
The Native Americans also held great spiritual and cultural significance for these rivers. The longest rivers in America, like the Mississippi, Missouri, and Colorado, flow across multiple states. They are the primary source of water for the Native Americans. These rivers facilitated transport within the country, helping the economy flourish. Many Native American cultures believed that rivers were embedded with spiritual significance and worshiped them. These tribes conducted rituals and ceremonies on the river bank.
The significance of rivers increased with time. That is why various geographical surveys take place to measure any notable changes happening to them. One such research is- measuring the length of the river.
You might wonder- what are the major rivers that flow around you? We got the answer to your question.
Here are 9 longest rivers in America:
1. The Missouri River
The Blackfeet, Crow, and Native American people have made the upper Missouri River their home for centuries. The Missouri is the longest river in the U.S. Although some people can argue to the contrary, The Missouri River surpasses the Mississippi River by 200 miles (322 km). The Missouri River originates from the Rocky Mountains and flows up to 2540 miles. Also popularly known as the Big Muddy River, flowing through the seven states- Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri and then unites with the mighty Mississippi River around St. Louis.
2. The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River originates from the Minnesota Woodlands. Some people consider it the major river in the country, while others view it as one of the longest rivers in America. It once acted as the boundary between the American West and the rest of the country. The river flows through 10 states and travels a journey of 2,340 Miles. It deposits itself in the Gulf of Mexico. The river holds enormous historical significance. It is an important trade route that has molded the economic and cultural landscape of the U.S. It has inspired various artists and musicians and symbolizes the true spirit of America.
3. The Yukon River
The Yukon River emerges from the Pelly Mountains in Canada’s Yukon Territory in British Columbia. This mighty river streams across 1980 miles (3,187 km) through the rocky terrains of Alaska and deposits in the Bering Sea. The Yukon River drainage system covers 52,865 square kilometers, which is larger than Turkey. The river creates an easy way for the citizens to travel. The river linked the remote villages to each other and gave access to resources like salmon and freshwater. The river’s magnificent course brings it to the list of the longest rivers in America.
4. The Rio Grande
The Rio Grande, also known as the Big River in Spanish, is one of the longest rivers in America. It paves up to 1,900 miles (3,058 km), forming a natural border between the United States and Mexico. Its origins lie in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The river flows through New Mexico and Texas before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.
Rio Grande’s river basin covers 336,000 square miles (540,740 square km). It has carved out impressive canyons as it flows. One such canyon is the Santa Elena Canyon in Texas, famous for its tall limestone cliffs and breathtaking scenery. However, Rio Grande’s unpredictable flow has led to many disputes between the U.S. and Mexico due to water rights. The fights extend to the rights of water distribution for agriculture and communities.
5. The Arkansas River
The Arkansas River commences close to the Continental Division in the rocky mountains of Colorado. It is renowned for being one of the best places in the country for whitewater rafting. The thrill of the Arkansas River attracts adventurous people from all over the world. People who want to tackle its exciting rapids, like the famous Royal Gorge section, visit here often. The river system covers 161,000 square miles.
The river travels up to 1,469 miles (2,364 km) through Kansas and Oklahoma before meeting the Mississippi River in Arkansas.
6. The Colorado River
The iconic Colorado River system extends over 1,450 miles (2,334 km). This river has carved the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon in a period of a million years. The river is also the home to several dams, including the Hoover Dam.
7. The Atchafalaya River
The Atchafalaya River is one of the major distributaries of the Mississippi River. It splits from the main channel of Mississippi at Simmesport and flows across 95,100 square miles. This river streams towards the Gulf of Mexico. The river acts like a natural flood relief valve. The flood control solutions by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers help to eradicate the risk of destructive floods in the downstream areas. The Atchafalaya River, stretching 1,420 miles (2,285 km), acts important in protecting Louisiana’s unique ecosystems.
8. The Ohio River
The Ohio River is formed by the convergence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers in Pittsburgh, flowing up to 1,310 miles (2,108 km), and is one of the longest rivers in America. It serves as the largest tributary of the Mississippi River. Its river system lies 203,000 square miles (326,697 square km). Rivers like the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Kanawha contribute to the river basin of Ohio. Many major cities have developed around the banks of this river.
9. The Brazos River
The Brazos is the ninth longest river in the U.S. that streams down for 1,280 miles (2,060 km). The Brazos River is known to be the longest river in the state of Texas. The river flows from the panhandle to the Lone Star state and opens up in the Gulf of Mexico.
America is a country with geographical glory. The rivers and coastlines in America are as pretty as its heavy terrains and deep valleys. These were the longest rivers in America. All these rivers have a beautiful coastline. You can see many tourist sites on these coasts. Have you witnessed the beauty of any of these?
