Major Bodies of Water in the U.S.

Study Notes

Major Bodies of Water in the United States

Ohio River: Known as the "Gateway to the West," it played a crucial role in westward expansion.
Atlantic Ocean: Located next to Virginia in the Coastal Plain region, it served as a vital highway for explorers, settlers, and immigrants.
Inland Port: Defined as a port situated on a navigable body of water, such as a lake or river, facilitating trade and transport.
Port: A facility offering direct access to the ocean via saltwater bodies like sounds or bays, essential for shipping and economy.
Great Lakes: Comprise five lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior, collectively remembered by the acronym HOMES.
St. Lawrence River: Discovered by early French explorers, it connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, crucial for navigation and trade.
Colorado River: Explored by Spanish explorers including Francisco Coronado; flows from the Rocky Mountains through the Grand Canyon to the Pacific Ocean, notable for its dramatic landscapes.
Hudson Bay: A large saltwater body in Northeastern Canada, part of the North Atlantic Ocean, named after explorer Henry Hudson who discovered it in 1610.
Rio Grande River: Translates to "Big River" in Spanish; serves as a natural border between the United States and Mexico, shaping part of Texas's geography.
Gulf of Mexico: Facilitated exploration by the French and Spanish, bordering parts of Florida and Texas, vital for trade and navigation.
Pacific Ocean: The largest ocean of the five major oceans, bordering the Coastal Range, significant for extensive maritime activities.
Mississippi and Missouri Rivers: Key waterways in the United States; the Mississippi is a long river, while the Missouri serves as an important tributary linking cities and facilitating transport to the Gulf of Mexico, with both rivers supporting large vessel navigation.

Description

Test your knowledge of important rivers, oceans, and ports in the United States with these flashcards. Each card provides a key term and an informative definition to help you learn about the significance of these bodies of water.