# Susquehanna River

> river in the northeastern United States

**Wikidata**: [Q27538](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27538)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susquehanna_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/susquehanna-river

## Summary
The Susquehanna River is a major river in the northeastern United States, flowing approximately 444 miles from its headwaters in central Pennsylvania to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. It is the longest river entirely within the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and serves as a key waterway for transportation, recreation, and ecological significance.

## Key Facts
- **Length**: Approximately 444 miles (715 km).
- **Headwaters**: Located in central Pennsylvania, near the town of Montrose.
- **Mouth**: Confluence with the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.
- **Watershed**: Drainage area of about 15,000 square miles (39,000 km²).
- **Major Tributaries**: Includes the Juniata River, Swatara Creek, and the West Branch Susquehanna River.
- **Flow**: Generally flows southward through Pennsylvania and Maryland.
- **Economic Importance**: Supports navigation, hydropower, and recreational activities.
- **Ecological Role**: Home to diverse aquatic species and part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- **Related Entities**: Flows through or near Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York.
- **Coordinates**: Approximate midpoint coordinates: 40.5° N, 77.0° W.

## FAQs
**What is the length of the Susquehanna River?**
The Susquehanna River is approximately 444 miles (715 km) long, making it the longest river entirely within Pennsylvania.

**Where does the Susquehanna River begin and end?**
The river begins near Montrose, Pennsylvania, and flows southward to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

**What are the major tributaries of the Susquehanna River?**
Key tributaries include the Juniata River, Swatara Creek, and the West Branch Susquehanna River.

**What is the drainage area of the Susquehanna River?**
The river’s drainage area covers about 15,000 square miles (39,000 km²).

**How does the Susquehanna River contribute to the Chesapeake Bay?**
The Susquehanna River is a major tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, providing freshwater and supporting aquatic ecosystems.

**What economic activities are supported by the Susquehanna River?**
The river supports navigation, hydropower generation, and recreational activities such as boating and fishing.

**Which states does the Susquehanna River flow through?**
The river flows through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York.

## Why It Matters
The Susquehanna River plays a critical role in the northeastern United States as a vital waterway for transportation, hydropower, and recreation. It serves as a key link in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting diverse aquatic ecosystems and contributing to regional economies. The river’s historical significance includes its role in early American settlement, industrial development, and modern environmental conservation efforts. Its flow through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York underscores its importance as a natural and cultural resource, influencing local communities, industries, and ecological systems.

## Notable For
- **Longest Pennsylvania River**: The Susquehanna River is the longest river entirely within Pennsylvania.
- **Chesapeake Bay Tributary**: A major contributor to the Chesapeake Bay’s freshwater supply.
- **Hydropower Generation**: Supports several hydroelectric dams along its course.
- **Recreational Destination**: Popular for boating, fishing, and scenic river travel.
- **Ecological Importance**: Home to diverse aquatic species and part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- **Historical Waterway**: Historically significant for transportation and trade.

## Body
### Geography and Flow
The Susquehanna River originates near Montrose, Pennsylvania, and flows southward through central and eastern Pennsylvania, passing through cities such as Harrisburg and York. It continues into Maryland, where it merges with the Chesapeake Bay. The river’s approximate midpoint coordinates are 40.5° N, 77.0° W.

### Watershed and Tributaries
The Susquehanna River’s drainage area spans about 15,000 square miles (39,000 km²). Major tributaries include the Juniata River, Swatara Creek, and the West Branch Susquehanna River, which contribute to the river’s flow and ecological diversity.

### Economic and Recreational Importance
The Susquehanna River supports navigation, hydropower generation, and recreational activities. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and scenic river travel, attracting tourists and locals alike.

### Ecological Role
The river is home to diverse aquatic species and plays a crucial role in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Its ecosystems support biodiversity and contribute to regional environmental conservation efforts.

### Historical Significance
The Susquehanna River has been historically significant for transportation, trade, and early American settlement. Its flow through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York reflects its enduring cultural and natural importance.

### Related Entities
The Susquehanna River flows through or near Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. It is connected to various related entities, including Susquehanna University, which is named after the river, and other natural and cultural landmarks along its course.

### Coordinates and Mapping
The river’s approximate midpoint coordinates are 40.5° N, 77.0° W. These coordinates help in mapping and geographic studies of the river’s flow and surrounding areas.

### Additional Facts
The Susquehanna River is approximately 444 miles (715 km) long, making it the longest river entirely within Pennsylvania. It is a key waterway for transportation, recreation, and ecological significance in the northeastern United States.

## References

1. Google Maps
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora
4. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
5. KBpedia