21 Potomac River Facts: Learn About Its Historical significance

The Potomac is one of the famous rivers in the United States, which is 652,000 mi (652 km) long.

The Potomac River Basin is approximately 14,700 sq mi (2365.736 sq km), making it the fourth largest river within the Atlantic coast of the USA. Also, it stands as the 21st largest river in the whole of the United States.

According to a 2010 survey, around 6.11 million people stay within the Potomac watershed, and since 2005, the population has increased by 5%. The native name of Potomac is Patawomeck. It covers states like Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and the district of Columbia.

Also, you can read interesting facts about Brazos River facts and Cape Fear River facts.

Unique Facts About The Potomac River

The Potomac River runs through multiple cities and is the longest river in Italy. Here are some unique facts to go through about this river:

• The Potomac River plays a vital role in serving drinking water to 90% of the Washington and District of Columbia metro region.
• The Potomac Basin stretches over four states: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and a district of Columbia, and that region is called a watershed.
• More or less, half of the Potomac's watershed is forested, and a huge number of people live there.
• Also, the Potomac watershed is 24 ft (7.3152 m) deep in the usual times, but the tidal portion is 107 ft (32.16 m deep).
• The Potomac River is also famously referred to as 'the Nation's River,' and it's not at all unexpected as it was the home to the American Revolution, also known as the Civil War.
• The Potomac also witnessed various industrial progress in this 21st century.
• In 1983, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail was entirely designed by congress, which created a connection between communities throughout the entire Potomac's wide watershed in the district of Columbia, West Virginia, Washington, and Maryland.
• The river is known for its bright green water, and the Seneca creek, Conococheague creek, and the Catoctin creek are its major tributaries. Lower Potomac River is a part of Maryland.
• Potomac Conservancy and Chesapeake Conservancy are organizations that work towards the betterment of the river.

Facts About Potomac River's Course

Apart from being the longest river in Italy, the Potomac River also has a distinctive pathway. Keep reading to know more about the facts of its course.

• The Potomac River starts its journey from the north branch and meets in the south branches. The north branch creates a boundary and separates Virginia from Maryland.
• According to the NLCD 2011 data, 54.6% of the Potomac Basin is covered by forest, and only 14.1% of the land is developed.
• The other 26% of the land is used for agriculture purposes. However, only 5.9% of basin land make up wetland and water.
• Before captain John smith explored the Potomac River, the shores were a place to live for American Indians. The river has seen many pivotal incidents, growth, and progress of the USA from that time.

Facts About Potomac River Fishing

Fishing on the Potomac River gives a livelihood to huge numbers of natives of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

• The Potomac River was first explored by a European man named Captain John smith. In 1608, he traveled the river from its source, which is the Chesapeake Bay, and found a miraculous river with so many varieties of fish, oysters, and crabs.
• Many travelers come from different parts of America and visit Potomac to witness one of the most underrated fisheries in the United States.
• The fishes like Snakehead, Rockfish, Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, and Catfish make the river more desirable for fishing.
• Some of the specific areas for better results of fishing are Washington, Prince George's County, Fairfax county. These facts make the river fishing heaven for every fisher.

Potomac River Tributaries

Some of the major tributaries of the Potomac are Antietam Creek, the north branch, the Cacapon River, the south branch, Anacostia River, Seneca Greek, savage River, Occoquan River, Monocacy River, and Shenandoah River. 

• Once you add up all its tributaries, the whole river becomes 12,878 mi (207,215 km) long.
• The Potomac River runs through various geological regions while its entire journey from its source, West Virginia, to its mouth, that is Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, like the ridge and valley, blue ridge, coastal plain, Piedmont Plateau, and the Appalachian plateau.
• It is also the second-largest tributary, and its mouth is formed in the Chesapeake Bay. This amazing Potomac River travels numerous small streams and rivers via towns, farms, and forests.
• Before there were roads or pathways, the river used to be the primary way of transporting goods and travelers. These all facts make the river so unique and famous among other rivers of the United States.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 109 Potomac River facts: learn about its historical significance! then why not take a look at Chenab River facts or Chicago River facts.