The Rio Grande
Although not the longest river in America, the Rio Grande is one of the most important. But, unlike other significant rivers,
it is not used for shipping. In fact, oceangoing ships cannot navigate the waters. No, what makes the Rio Grande so
important is its location. Since 1846, it has been the official border of Texas and Mexico.
Rio Grande Geography
The Rio Grande is either the fourth or fifth longest river system in North America. It all depends on how it is measured.
Because the river twists so much, it occasionally changes course. And these course shifts can cause it to be longer or
shorter. At its last official measure, the Rio Grande clocked in at 1,896 miles. The river starts in Colorado and extends
downward to the Gulf of Mexico.
Downward is the best way of describing it too. Not only does the river extend south, but it also starts in the mountains and
gets lower and lower in elevation as it extends to the Gulf. Its name is Spanish for the “Big River,” but the Rio Grande is
actually known as Rio Bravo in Mexico. “Bravo” translates as “furious,” so the name makes sense. Because of its twists
and turns, it certainly does seem to be angrier than most rivers!
The Rio Grande Today
The Rio Grande today is mostly used as a source of drinking water. Sadly, much of the water has been drained from the
river. Parts of the river are almost dry! This is because people use more water from the river than the river can get back
from rain and other sources. Experts are working to correct this, though, with hopes of restoring the river to its past
strength. Today, the river is important as a source of water for Texans and Mexicans. More important, it is a symbol of
cooperation between two nations. Though borders like the Rio Grande separate nations, they are also shared spaces.
The Rio Grande is therefore a symbol of friendship and peace between two peoples.
The Rio GrandeAlthough not the longest river in America, the Rio Grande is one of the most important. But, unlike other significant rivers,it is not used for shipping. In fact, oceangoing ships cannot navigate the waters. No, what makes the Rio Grande soimportant is its location. Since 1846, it has been the official border of Texas and Mexico.Rio Grande GeographyThe Rio Grande is either the fourth or fifth longest river system in North America. It all depends on how it is measured.Because the river twists so much, it occasionally changes course. And these course shifts can cause it to be longer orshorter. At its last official measure, the Rio Grande clocked in at 1,896 miles. The river starts in Colorado and extendsdownward to the Gulf of Mexico.Downward is the best way of describing it too. Not only does the river extend south, but it also starts in the mountains andgets lower and lower in elevation as it extends to the Gulf. Its name is Spanish for the “Big River,” but the Rio Grande isactually known as Rio Bravo in Mexico. “Bravo” translates as “furious,” so the name makes sense. Because of its twistsand turns, it certainly does seem to be angrier than most rivers!The Rio Grande TodayThe Rio Grande today is mostly used as a source of drinking water. Sadly, much of the water has been drained from theriver. Parts of the river are almost dry! This is because people use more water from the river than the river can get backfrom rain and other sources. Experts are working to correct this, though, with hopes of restoring the river to its paststrength. Today, the river is important as a source of water for Texans and Mexicans. More important, it is a symbol ofcooperation between two nations. Though borders like the Rio Grande separate nations, they are also shared spaces.The Rio Grande is therefore a symbol of friendship and peace between two peoples.
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