The American Cyclopædia (1879)/Alabama (river)

ALABAMA, a river of the state of Alabama, formed by the union of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers about 10 m. (direct) N. N. E. of Montgomery. It has a westerly course as far as Selma, whence it flows southerly until it joins the Tombigbee about 50 m. above Mobile, to form the Mobile river. It is navigable for vessels of 6 feet draught to Claiborne, 60 m. above the junction. Small steamboats ascend it to Montgomery, 320 m. by the course of the river, the depth of water being from 3 to 5 feet, and in high water about 20 m. further to Wetumpka on the Coosa. The river is very tortuous throughout its course, and on its banks are some of the largest cotton plantations in the South, and much valuable timber. The most important cities and towns on the Alabama are Montgomery, Selma, Cahawba, and Claiborne.