# Tennessee River

> river in the southeastern United States

**Wikidata**: [Q193737](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193737)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tennessee-river

## Summary
The **Tennessee River** is a major river in the southeastern United States, flowing through parts of Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky. It is a significant tributary of the Ohio River and plays a crucial role in regional transportation, hydropower, and recreation, with several large reservoirs and lakes formed along its course.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Flows through Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky in the southeastern United States.
- **Coordinates**: Approximately **35.9592508°N, 83.8501808°W** and **37.0672787°N, 88.5647687°W**.
- **Connected Waterways**: Linked to the **Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway**, a canal completed in **1984** that connects the Tennessee River to the Tombigbee River.
- **Major Lakes**: Forms several reservoirs, including **Wheeler Lake**, **Pickwick Lake**, **Guntersville Lake**, and **Kentucky Lake**.
- **Sitelink Count**: 67 Wikipedia links.
- **Wikidata Description**: "River in the southeastern United States."

## FAQs
### **Where is the Tennessee River located?**
The Tennessee River flows through the southeastern United States, primarily through **Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky**, before joining the Ohio River.

### **What is the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway?**
The **Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway** is a **1984-completed canal** that connects the Tennessee River to the Tombigbee River, facilitating navigation between major river systems in the U.S.

### **What are the major lakes formed by the Tennessee River?**
The river has several large reservoirs, including **Wheeler Lake** (Alabama), **Pickwick Lake** (Tennessee), **Guntersville Lake** (Alabama), and **Kentucky Lake** (Kentucky/Tennessee).

### **How is the Tennessee River significant to Alabama?**
The river flows through northern Alabama, forming key lakes like **Wheeler Lake** and **Guntersville Lake**, which support recreation, hydropower, and local economies.

## Why It Matters
The **Tennessee River** is a vital waterway for **transportation, hydropower, and recreation** in the southeastern U.S. Its connection to the **Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway** enhances regional trade and navigation. The river’s reservoirs provide flood control, drinking water, and economic benefits to surrounding states, making it a cornerstone of the region’s infrastructure.

## Notable For
- Being a major river in the **southeastern United States**.
- Forming key reservoirs like **Wheeler Lake, Pickwick Lake, Guntersville Lake, and Kentucky Lake**.
- Connecting to the **Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway**, a critical navigation link.
- Supporting **hydropower, recreation, and regional economies** in Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky.

## Body
### **Geography and Course**
The **Tennessee River** originates in eastern Tennessee and flows southwest through Alabama before turning north into Kentucky, where it joins the **Ohio River**. Its course spans approximately **652 miles (1,049 km)**, making it one of the longest tributaries of the Ohio River.

### **Major Reservoirs and Lakes**
Several large reservoirs are formed by dams along the Tennessee River:
- **Wheeler Lake** (Alabama) – A key lake for recreation and hydropower.
- **Pickwick Lake** (Tennessee) – Known for fishing and boating.
- **Guntersville Lake** (Alabama) – One of the largest lakes in Alabama.
- **Kentucky Lake** (Kentucky/Tennessee) – A major reservoir for flood control and tourism.

### **Connection to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway**
The **Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway**, completed in **1984**, links the Tennessee River to the **Tombigbee River**, creating a navigable route between the **Tennessee Valley and the Gulf of Mexico**. This waterway enhances commercial shipping and economic development in the region.

### **Role in Alabama’s Infrastructure**
In **Alabama**, the Tennessee River supports multiple lakes, including **Wheeler Lake** and **Guntersville Lake**, which are vital for **hydropower, fishing, and tourism**. The river also contributes to the state’s **transportation and agricultural sectors**.

### **Environmental and Economic Impact**
The Tennessee River and its reservoirs provide **flood control, drinking water, and recreational opportunities**, while also supporting **barge traffic and industrial development**. The river’s ecosystem sustains diverse wildlife and is a key resource for surrounding communities.

### **Historical and Cultural Significance**
The river has played a role in **Native American history, early American settlement, and industrial growth** in the Southeast. Its dams and lakes were developed as part of the **Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)** projects, which transformed the region’s economy in the 20th century.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. The National Map
4. GeoNames
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
6. KBpedia