What's The Longest River in South Carolina?

The Savannah River: Tracing the Course of South Carolina's Longest River

This article explores the Savannah River's course, significance, and enduring legacy, tracing its path from the mountains to the sea.

From Mountain Headwaters to Coastal Plain

The Savannah River's origins lie in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. While its headwaters begin at the confluence of the Seneca and Tugaloo Rivers near Hartwell, Georgia, its total length of approximately 313 miles (504 kilometers) largely defines South Carolina's western border, as documented by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Approximately 301 miles of the river either flow through South Carolina or form the border with Georgia, making it the state's longest river by most definitions.

A Winding Course: Defining the Landscape

The Savannah River winds southeastward from its source, carving a path through the South Carolina landscape. It's fed by numerous tributaries within South Carolina, including the Little River and the wild and scenic Chattooga River, adding to its volume and shaping the surrounding terrain. Several major reservoirs also mark the river's course. These include Lake Hartwell, Lake Russell, and Clarks Hill Lake (also known as Lake Strom Thurmond), all created by dams that provide hydroelectric power and recreational opportunities.

More Than a Boundary: A Vital Waterway

The Savannah River is more than just a line on a map; it's a vital artery for South Carolina and Georgia. Historically, the river served as a crucial transportation route, facilitating trade and commerce between the interior and the coast, as detailed in historical accounts of South Carolina's colonial and antebellum periods. Today, it continues to play a significant role in agriculture, providing water for irrigation and power generation, with several hydroelectric dams harnessing its energy.

Shaped by Human Hands: Dams and Development

The modern Savannah River is a managed waterway shaped by human intervention. Dams like the Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, and those creating the significant reservoirs, control the river's flow, providing flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power, as documented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages many of these structures. This management has significantly altered the river's natural course and ecology.

A River Rich in History and Recreation

The Savannah River has witnessed centuries of history, from the Native American tribes who first inhabited its banks to the European colonists who established settlements along its course. Today, it offers a wealth of recreational opportunities:

• Boating and Fishing: The river and its reservoirs are popular destinations for boating, kayaking, and fishing, and the fish populations include bass, catfish, and striped bass.
• Parks and Recreation: Several areas offer access to enjoy and take in the beauty of the river.
• Historic Sites: The river's banks are dotted with historic sites, reflecting its long and significant past.

The Savannah River, South Carolina's longest river, is a powerful and enduring force, shaping the state's landscape, history, and economy. From its mountain headwaters to its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean, the river's journey is a testament to the interconnectedness of nature and human activity. As a vital waterway, a recreational resource, and a witness to centuries of history, the Savannah River remains a defining feature of South Carolina and a crucial part of the state's identity.

Sources:

• U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Historical accounts of South Carolina's colonial and antebellum periods