Why Is The Ohio River Important To American History?

The Ohio River is a very prominent part of America’s history. The Ohio Rivers’ name came from the Iroquoian (Seneca) word: Ohi yo meaning “Good River”. During the 1600s and 1700s, the River served as a Southern Border of the Northern Territory. In several treaties it served as a dividing line between English settlements and Native American communities. Marietta, Steubenville and Cincinnati were founded on the river’s bank. During the 1800s the Ohio River became an important commercial route for residents in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. The water routes made sending crops and products a lot easier and cheaper. Before the opening of the Erie Canal, the Ohio River was the main route to the West and market transportation on growing farm outputs. Trade improved the growth of Cities around the Ohio River because the Ohio River served as source of water to the nearby area. In conclusion, the Ohio River contributed a lot to American History.
It is often referred to as “The River of Dreams”. During the Colonial times, the river served as a vital transportation route for westward expansion. In the 1790s the river became home to a major ship building industry. The ships being made allowed transportation for trade and growth of population in cities. Other industries began to develop like, glass, sawmill and gristmill factories. The river prompted the industries along its shores to globalize importance and production. The Monongahela River has changed over the years, from shallow to deep, waterway to industrial sewer and from no aquatic life to aquatic life. Today, the Monongahela River continues to have an impact on the district of