| Detroit River |
Article Index for Detroit |
Limousines in Detroit |
Articles about Detroit River |
Website Links For Detroit |
Information AboutDetroit River |
|
The Detroit River is about 32 miles (51 km) long and 0.5 to 2.5 miles (1–4 km) wide in the Great Lakes system. The name comes from French ''Rivière du Détroit'', i.e. "River of the Strait ". The name is a reference to the fact that the river connects Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie . However, it is not a strait by definition. The boundary between Canada and the United States Of America passes through the river lengthwise. Its Elevation is 579 feet (175 M ) above Sea Level . GEOGRAPHY The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is the only international Wildlife Preserve in North America , uniquely located in the heart of a major metropolitan area. The Refuge includes islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals, and waterfront lands along 48 miles of the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie shoreline. Tributaries ]]While primarily a lake outlet, the Detroit River does have a few tributaries of its own which drain 2,000 square kilometers (772 Sq mi ). These include the Rouge River , Ecorse River , Conner Creek and Marsh Creek in the United States, and Turkey Creek, Little River and Canard River in Canada. Islands Islands in the Detroit River include Peche Island , Belle Isle , Zug Island , Fighting Island , Grosse Ile , and Bois Blanc (also known as Boblo) Island. The islands of the lower Detroit River are part of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge . HISTORY Historical events concerning the Detroit River began with the arrival of the French Voyageurs , the first non-natives to navigate the river and land on Detroit's shores. Canoe s made of Birch or Elm bark were a common mode of travel across the river, although the Pirogue and Bateaux were also used. The War Of 1812 was partially fought along the Detroit River front, and by 1850 , the Census showed 21,019 people populated Detroit. Ferries , Schooner s and Steamboat s were found traveling along the river. During the Civil War , the river was patrolled in case of a Confederate attack from the Canadian north. As Commerce grew, Detroit was becoming the busiest port in the world, and was dubbed "the Greatest Commercial Artery on Earth." 67,292,504 Tonnage had passed through the Detroit River in 1907 , compared with 18,727,230 through London , and 20,390,953 through New York City . In March of 2003, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy was formed. The Conservancy is tasked with clean up and improvement of the Detroit riverfront from the Ambassador Bridge to the MacArthur Bridge . The central focus of the effort is the RiverWalk , which will be a riverfront pathway extending the entire 4.7 miles between the two bridges. 75% of the east RiverWalk is expected to be completed by late 2007. {Link without Title} Riverfront Conservancy FAQ page For more information visit the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy website . VESSELS The Detroit River is a major transportation artery, as well as place of recreation for Boaters . Below are samples of typical ships and water craft that use the river. |
|
|