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The Kiskiminetas and Conemaugh Rivers are names derived from Native American words. It is thought that Kiskiminetas means "make daylight" (from Gieschgumanito), or "cut spirit" (from Kee-ak-kshee-man-mit-toos). Conemaugh means "otter" (from Conunmoch).[1] Land was purchased from Native Americans in 1768, and was given freely to the earliest settlers.
This 1,886 square mile watershed covers diverse terrain including high plateaus, the Allegheny Mountains, and the low plateau region around Pittsburgh. From its headwaters to the Allegheny River, the Kiski-Conemaugh descends 2,175 feet over 125 miles. Steep hillsides and valley walls are common. Agriculture is the largest industry in the watershed, but it's coal that has left the region with an intense industrial legacy. Pictured above is the mouth of Kiskiminetas River entering the Allegheny River. Use the "Change Topic" menu below to explore the boundaries, human impacts and natural systems of the Kiski-Conemaugh basin. See the year 1878 on the Timeline for an interesting debate regarding river names. Under the Allegheny Watershed, Landforms will show you how the Allegheny Mountains traverse this watershed. [1] from "Encyclopedia of Pennsylvania", Hiram Shenk, editor, Harrisburg National Historic Association, 1932. |