Joining Forces

The Alabama River finds its start at the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers between Wetumpka and Montgomery. The 318-mile stretch meanders through central and southern Alabama and merges with the Cahaba and Tombigbee rivers to form the Mobile River, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Alabama’s Lifeline

The river system, composed primarily of the Coosa, Alabama, and Mobile rivers, has been integral to the region since before recorded history. In Rome, Georgia, the headwaters of the Coosa River begin a waterway stretching to Wetumpka, Alabama. Although the first 80 miles following the Coosa’s merge with the Tallapoosa is referred to as R.E. “Bob Woodruff Lake, it also marks the start of the Alabama River.

Alabama’s three major rivers have been the state’s heart of commerce. The exchange of goods—especially cotton—along the rivers is like blood moving through the body. Native Americans used these rivers as highways for commerce and travel. Although widespread use of the railroads hindered steamboat trade, the river maintained its prominence thanks to its connection to the most abundant regions for agriculture, minerals, and timber.

Alabama is the United States’ most biodiverse state east of the Mississippi River. The many freshwater streams and rivers here boast and support a wide array of freshwater fish species. Of all North American species, 22% of crawfish, 27% of fish, 28% of freshwater snails, 57% of freshwater turtles, and 61% of freshwater mussels are native to Alabama! Largemouth bass, spotted bass, and blue catfish are the three most commonly caught fish along the Alabama River. The waterway also hosts channel and flathead catfish, striped and white bass, paddlefish, alligator gar, Alabama sturgeon, and Alabama darter.

All About Alabama

From river cities to wilderness expanse, the Alabama River embodies the state’s rich history. A home along the river offers the crossroads of city living and country life.