Savannah River - Definition and Overview

The Savannah River is a major river in the southeastern United States, forming most of the border between the states of South Carolina and Georgia. A tributary, the Tugaloo River, forms the northernmost part of the border. The Savannah River watershed extends into the southeastern side of the Appalachian Mountains just inside North Carolina, bounded by the Eastern Continental Divide. The river is about 350 miles long.

The river was very influential in the economic development of Georgia, and two major cities were founded on the river in the 18th century. Savannah, Georgia was established as a seaport on the Atlantic Ocean, and Augusta, Georgia is positioned where the river meets the fall line. The two cities served as Georgia's first two state capitals. The Savannah River also became significant in the 1950s when development commenced on the Savannah River Plant for nuclear materials.

The river plays a large influence on the regions geography. Several major lakes are located along the river, most of which are man-made reservoirs. These include Strom Thurmond Lake, Russell Lake, Lake Hartwell, and Lake Keowee. None of these lakes exists below the fall line, however. At the northwest branch of the river is located Tallulah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Georgia.

The river is tidal at Savannah, surprising some first-time visitors who return to downtown later in the day and find it flowing the opposite direction. Downstream, it broadens into an estuary before flowing into the ocean.

Tributaries

• Brier River
• Broad River
• Chattooga River
• Steven's Creek
• Tugaloo River

See also

• List of Georgia rivers
• List of South Carolina rivers