Arkansas River

Arkansas River‏‎

The Arkansas River is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. It generally flows to the east and southeast as it traverses the U.S. states of Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The river's source basin lies in the western United States in Colorado, specifically the Rocky Mountains, where the river's drainage basin spans 170,000 square miles. The Arkansas River is the sixth-longest river in the United States, the second-longest tributary in the Mississippi-Missouri system, and the 45th longest river in the world.

Geography

The Arkansas River's headwaters originate high in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains near Leadville, Colorado, and it flows east through the Arkansas River Valley and then south into eastern Colorado. The river then bends southeast and flows across the Oklahoma state line, then further into Arkansas. At Napoleon, Arkansas, the river flows into the Mississippi River.

History

The Arkansas River has been known by several names throughout history. The Native American tribes living near the river in the 1700s called the river Napeste. The name "Arkansas" was first applied by French explorers who used the local Quapaw tribe's term for the region, Akansa.

Ecology

The Arkansas River supports a diverse range of aquatic life and has numerous fish species, including catfish, bass, and crappie. The river is also a significant habitat for many bird species such as the bald eagle and peregrine falcon.

Recreation

The Arkansas River is a popular destination for recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting. The river's rapids in Colorado are a favorite among whitewater enthusiasts.

See also

• List of longest rivers of the United States (by main stem)
• List of rivers of Colorado
• List of rivers of Kansas
• List of rivers of Oklahoma
• List of rivers of Arkansas