The Watershed

The Tennessee River Watershed drains a large area of Tennessee and Northern Alabama. read more>

River History

The history of the river is marked by three major events: the exploration by Herando De Soto in 1540, the establishment of the TVA in 1933, and the Kingston coal ash spill in December, 2008. read more>

River Uses

For sport and recreation, the Tennessee River is used for boating and fishing, as well as commercially to transport goods. read more>

Species

High in aquatic biodiversity, the river contains about 230 species of fish and 100 species of mussels. Nearly 80 species are protected in some way. read more>


Rare spring pygmy sunfish (Elassoma alabamae) found only in the Tennessee Valley.