{"id":10016,"date":"2024-03-18T19:15:21","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T18:15:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=10016"},"modified":"2024-03-18T19:15:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T18:15:21","slug":"does-the-ohio-river-flow-into-the-mississippi-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/does-the-ohio-river-flow-into-the-mississippi-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Does The Ohio River Flow Into The Mississippi River"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Ohio River<\/h2>\n

The Ohio River is a major waterway in the United States, stretching 981 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cairo, Illinois. Over one million people live along its banks, and the vast majority of them rely on the river for drinking water, transportation, and industry. It’s the longest tributary of the Mississippi River, with the Ohio emptying into the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois.<\/p>\n

Does the Ohio River Flow Into the Mississippi River?<\/h2>\n

The answer to this question is a resounding yes. The Ohio River does indeed flow into the Mississippi River. In fact, it’s the longest tributary of the Mississippi River, with the Ohio emptying into the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois. This mouth of the Ohio River serves as the border between the states of Kentucky and Illinois.
\nThe Ohio River’s journey from Pittsburgh to Cairo takes it through three natural regions: the Appalachian Plateau, the Interior Low Plateau, and the Gulf Coastal Plain. Along the way, it passes through six states: Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, and Illinois. The Ohio is navigable all the way up to Pittsburgh, although barge traffic stops at the mouth of the Ohio near Cairo.<\/p>\n

Significance of the Ohio River<\/h2>\n

The Ohio River has been an important waterway throughout history. It formed a strategic settlement corridor in early America, and was the site of battles during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. In addition, it provided a vital transportation network for moving people and goods throughout the Midwest.
\nThe Ohio River is also an important source of drinking water for the millions of people who live in its watershed. It’s estimated that more than three million people receive their drinking water from the Ohio River, including people in the states of Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
\nThe Ohio River is also important for industry. The commercial ports on the Ohio carry a large portion of the United States’ cargo. The river is also home to a number of important power plants and manufacturing facilities, including steel mills, paper mills, and chemical plants.
\nIn addition, the Ohio River provides important recreational opportunities for people in the surrounding area. The river is home to a number of public and private campgrounds, as well as a number of public parks and wildlife refuges. The river is also an important source of fish and game, and provides important habitat for a variety of species.<\/p>\n

Protection of the Ohio River<\/h2>\n

The Ohio River has faced numerous threats in recent years. Pollution from agriculture, industry, and urban runoff is a major concern. In addition, the river has faced numerous legal battles over rights to water, including disputes between upstream and downstream states.
\nIn response to these threats, a number of organizations have been formed to protect and preserve the Ohio River. These organizations have worked to reduce pollution, increase public access to the river, and promote sustainable use of the river’s resources.<\/p>\n

Effects on the Mississippi River<\/h2>\n