Schuylkill River, River and rowing venue in Pennsylvania, United States.
The Schuylkill River is a waterway in southeastern Pennsylvania that extends 209 kilometers (130 miles) from its source near Tuscarora to its confluence with the Delaware River in Philadelphia. The shorelines alternate between wooded sections outside the city and paved quays with green spaces in the urban area.
The Lenape called the waterway Ganshohawanee until Dutch settlers in the 17th century used the name Schuylkill, meaning hidden river. Industries such as coal mining and railroads shaped the riverbanks during the 19th century and influenced the economic development of the region lastingly.
Along the banks stand the illuminated boathouses in neoclassical style, which reflect their facades over the water at night. Rowers train here regularly in eights and fours, while spectators can follow the movements of the teams from the riverside paths.
Multiple access points along both banks allow walks, bicycle rides, and running routes between downtown and the western suburbs. The paved paths are accessible to all visitors and offer different distances depending on the desired route.
The Fairmount Water Works from 1812 was the first municipal water system in Philadelphia and still pumps water directly from this waterway today. The facility originally used water power to supply the city with drinking water and later served as a model for similar systems in other American cities.
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