Calling Potomac important waterway of the United States, do not exaggerate.Because of its northern coast rises Washington, the capital of the vast state, its majestic capital.Washington won both banks waterway in its lower reaches.The city on the river water surface rise small vessels.
river itself, including South Potomac estuary stretches along the eastern expanses of North America for 780 kilometers.The scenic Potomac River in Washington, has a pool of 38.1 thousand sq. Km.In the ranking of largest rivers of the Atlantic basin, she received fourth place.And according to the statistics of all the rivers of the USA it is given only 21 th place.
Geography Potomac
In Maryland, near the town of Cumberland, merge into a single stream of water north and south of the Potomac.As a result of this merger formed the Potomac River - the main artery of Washington.Source northern branch is located in West Virginia, close to the Stone of Fairfax.During this sleeve is directed to the northeast.Southern sleeve begins near the villages Haytaun that in Virginia.He also flows in a northeasterly direction.After the merger
sleeves Potomac River, which is great photo is sent to the southeast.It flows in this direction until you fall into the Chesapeake Bay, which is part of the Atlantic.Potomac serves as the border between Maryland and Virginia.This waterway is navigable.Court ply along it between the Great waterfalls and mouth.
Historical facts
Potomac - the so called Indian tribe selected for shelter south coast of the river.It is believed that the word translated as potomac "trading place" or "place of the collection of tribute."Indians was common the name of the river, they named it Cohongarooton.Translated, it sounds like a "goose river."
In 1570, was discovered by the Spaniards Potomac River.Description of the watershed was first made in 1608 by Captain John Smith.He struck him on the map.Then he pulled the merchants here, living in Virginia.With the founding of Maryland Potomac turns into a key transport artery colony.
When the civil war broke out, the water flow was the boundary for the Confederate states.General Robert E. Lee failed twice to overcome the waterway, encroaching on the northern lands.
Potomac River (North America) was formed about two million years ago as a result of lowering the level of the Atlantic Ocean and the projections of coastal sediments.Waterways of the region was formed in Great Falls, the initial relief is destroyed glaciers.
in the Potomac area connected by a plurality of cultures.Here we are closely intertwined traditions of the miners, boaters and urban residents from Western and Northern Virginia.
Great Falls
few millennia ago on the river formed great waterfalls.The last two centuries are considered the main natural attraction in Washington.Great waterfalls anciently called the vast territory that borders the capital of the United States.
If we consider the administrative affiliation waterfalls, they are the property of two neighboring states - Maryland and Virginia.They are 22 miles from Washington.They get to them by taxi or subway.
Amazing natural wonder of stunning beauty and power of the grand flow of crystal-clear water.Even in Great Falls photos hit its grandeur.Beautiful Potomac River (or rather, its coastline) is dotted with beautiful parks.
This picturesque area is popular with Americans and travelers.It attracts adherents of active recreation.Here you can meet without surprise fans of kayaking, rafting and rock climbing.They are dressed in comfortable and comfortable jeans, shirts and shoes.
Potomac - the heart of Washington
Calling Washington majestic city, the memory of what he built on the Potomac River.This watershed - not just a waterway, is the heart of Washington.The history of the metropolis is inextricably linked with the name of the waterway.
Potomac River was the place where in 1751 erected the port of Georgetown, which has become a dynamic point of trade and commerce.Zone trade has developed, supplies and transportation increases in volume.In 1790, Georgetown has achieved prosperity, becoming the largest port in the state.Exported and sold tobacco party here, for example, substantially exceeded the turnover of goods in the other ports.
Ecological disaster
However, the Potomac and has gone through difficult periods.In 1894, the river water was so polluted that the authorities imposed a ban on swimming people.Bathing in the river of dirty could undermine the health of the lovers of water procedures.
Stamp ecological trouble for a long time pursued a watershed.Following a serious cleaning waterway in 1970 began to gain a positive reputation the Potomac River.North America, its ecologists and volunteers have won the battle for clean water important artery.
Watershed alive, as if born again.Purified water freely sighed, letting a life flows.Currently, the majesty of the river saved undeniable.On the water surface glide canoes, kayaks and rowing boats.This back blue herons and eagles.And looking at the harmony, begin to feel the soul of the river, known as the heart of Washington.
Potomac: a dynamic and peaceful
over the coast of the Potomac towering architectural monuments.They found a place of Lincoln and Jefferson Memorial, the Kennedy Center and other attractions.Indigenous Washingtonians like another face of the watershed.One of his piece, which ends with glitter and sparkle of glass concrete and opens the kingdom of river shallows inhabited by light-winged birds and fish scales shining gloss.Here, the dynamics of the metropolis comes to naught.Life slows down though, obeying the smooth flow of river water.
Potomac Embankment in the place where the Potomac River flows through the North American capital - the city of Washington, erected a picturesque quay, equipped lovely promenades.Along the edges of the embankment crowding many excellent restaurants, recreational areas.
meander along the coast bike paths, built a colorful entrance to the park with excellent infrastructure.The territory of the park has a playground with a barbecue and seating areas.On the water surface glide river buses, tourist boats and yachts.
From here cruises on the river.With an expanse of water offering stunning views of the city.Trees, houses and high-rise buildings add up to a fantastic picture.There jogging and sit in cafes, just admiring the river scenery.
A water mirror river bridges deployed.The bridge leading to the suburb of Arlington, decorated with gilded statues made in the Roman style.In the sky you can occasionally see the presidential helicopter.
