Discover the Savannah River: Top 9 Fun Facts You Never Knew About This Majestic Waterway!

1. Nuclear Glow-Up

From splitting atoms to saving the planet, the Savannah River Site has truly had a nuclear glow-up: Originally dedicated to producing plutonium and tritium for nuclear weapons during the Cold War, the site has since reinvented itself into a hub for environmental cleanup, nuclear materials management, and research and development activities.
Source => energy.gov

2. Aquatic Utopia

In the wild and wonderful world of the Savannah River Basin, where Robust Redhorses and Shortnose Sturgeons defiantly swim against the mainstream, even the Shoals Spider Lily dares to blossom on the endangered list: home to over 75 rare species, this vibrant aquatic utopia not only quenches the thirst of 1.5 million humans but also welcomes outdoor enthusiasts for paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching adventures.
Source => garivers.org

Discover the secrets behind the Nile River's ancient origins! A recent study has uncovered geological evidence revealing that the iconic river is a staggering 30 million years old, thanks to the slow movement of Earth's mantle. Dive into the fascinating tale!

=> Fun Facts about The-Nile-River

3. Therapeutic Horse Haven

Hold your horses, partner – or better yet, ride them therapeutically! Along the tranquil banks of the Savannah River, you'll find an equestrian oasis like no other: Pegasus Riding Academy, offering horseback riding programs for individuals with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and PTSD. Giddyup on over and witness the transformative power of four hooves and a gentle snort as they bring balance and joy to people of all ages!
Source => prasav.org

4. Scenic Riverside Workout

Step aside, treadmill scenic runs; there's a new workout with a view that's got you walking on water (well, almost!): The River Levee Trail, stretching 1.7 miles between Lake Olmstead and 13th Street, dazzles hikers and bikers with magnificent views of the Savannah River, two historic mill races, a boardwalk that scales the river levee, the Hawks Gulley Bulkhead sighting, and bridges that span both the King and Sibley mill races. Want to go the extra mile? Connect to the neighboring Columbia County multi-use trail or North Augusta's Greene Way, and let the good times stroll!
Source => augustacanal.com

5. Augusta Canal Splendor

Move over, Niagara: it's time for the Augusta Canal to make a splash! From powering mills to making history, this 19th-century powerhouse has a story that's no drop in the bucket: Constructed by a diverse labor force in the mid-1800s, the Augusta Canal was built to harness the falls of the Savannah River and powered mills and factories in Augusta, Georgia. With its three levels and wing dam, the canal not only attracted thriving entrepreneurs, but also helped the Confederacy establish a munitions factory during the Civil War. Though the textile industry declined, the canal's legacy still flows strong within the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.
Source => asce.org

6. Strict Golf Etiquette

If you think the Queen's Guard in London is strict, just try breaking the rules at Augusta National Golf Club, and you might find yourself golfing on thin ice: Here at this prestigious club, cell phones or electronic devices, running, and loud talking are strictly prohibited - so much so that even cheering for a player's mistake is frowned upon! The club enforces these rules with Pinkerton guards, and rule-breakers may face permanent bans or even prosecution.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Adrenaline-Fueled Adventures

If you're river-banked on finding your next adrenaline-fueled riverside adventure, fear not—the Savannah River delivers: Not only does the Savannah River host some thrilling water sports like kayaking, whitewater rafting, power-boating, and sailing, but Augusta's River Region has also gained international renown as the venue for major sporting events like the world's largest Ironman 70.3 triathlon, rowing regattas, disc golf tournaments, and drag boat races, alongside lush hiking and biking trails and rare bird sightings, such as the Swallow-Tailed Kite.
Source => savannahriverkeeper.org

8. Hoppin' John's River Connection

Who says rivers don't get their fair share in the culinary world? The Savannah River might not be flippin' flapjacks or stirrin' up gumbo, but it's been low-key dippin' its toes into the delicious realm of Hoppin' John: Though not directly responsible for the creation of the popular southern dish, the Savannah River's close proximity to the Lowcountry, where black-eyed peas and rice became a staple, contributed to Hoppin' John's evolution. This classic New Year's dish, believed to bring prosperity and luck, has its roots in the rice and bean mixtures that sustained enslaved West Africans on their voyages to the Americas.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

9. Civil War Ship Treasure Hunt

What do you get when you mix an underwater treasure hunt with a dash of Civil War history and a sprinkle of archeological excitement? A Savannah River surprise, of course: The CSS Georgia, a Confederate ship, was discovered and excavated during the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, yielding over 30,000 artifacts—mostly mechanical bits and bobs. Thanks to the teamwork between archeologists and Texas A&M University's Conservation Research Laboratory, the ship's remains and artifacts were safely removed, clearing the channel and eventually joining the U.S. Navy's collection in December 2021.
Source => sas.usace.army.mil