The Allegheny River: Watershed of the Nation

I recently purchased this work in a used book store and, if you have that opportunity, I strongly suggest you do the same. The pictures are done in four color format, follow the text, and are of high quality. I would have preferred more detailed maps, but this is a small quibble. The text is endlessly entertaining and extremely well written for persons of all ages. The format is a bit unusual in that the tour of the river begins at its end in Pittsburgh, where it meets the Monongahela to form the Ohio River, and runs upstream to the source. Many interviews with persons familiar with the river and its history form a great deal of the text, and the factual development is very well done. The Allegheny is the northeasternmost tributary of the Mississippi River system and the only one that drains part of New York State. It was the pathway for many who moved west of the Appalachians. Many persons who traversed this route when they were young explored the West as they grew older, and theis connection is excellently demonstrated in a fascinating, seamless manner. The Allegheny almost drowned George Washington as a young man, became one of our first industrially-used rivers, and is now in the process of being restored as a clean stream. In short, the Allegheny, almost more than any other river, reflects the history of the development of our country. I believe you will find this coffee-table sized book a fascinating, useful addition to your library, and I highly recommend it.

M Sanja is a field Outdoor editor-Nature & Fishing PSU Press just published Art Parker's "Monongahela River" It is unique to compare both watersheds, since these rivers converge to form the Ohio River.