New York is home to many famous rivers with extensive histories of industry and recreation. But when it comes to age, the Susquehanna River stands out above the rest. Not only is it the longest river on the east coast, it’s also one of the oldest rivers in the entire world.

You may be wondering how the age of a river is even determined. It's a complicated process and there is no way to judge an exact age with absolute certainty.
Kenneth C. Zirkel/Wikimedia Commons
The age of the valley a river flows through tends to be easier to judge. Geologists can tell approximate ages of rock formations in mountains and valleys. Based on the depth that the river flows through the surrounding rock, an estimate can be gathered as to how long the river has been there.
Scientists believe the Susquehanna River is 320 to 340 million years old. It's actually older than the Appalachian Mountain range that it flows through!
Jstubey/Wikimedia Commons
Not only is it one of three oldest rivers in the world, it's also incredibly long! At 444 miles, it's one of the longest in the United States.
FotoFloridian/Flickr
By watershed volume, it's the 16th largest river in the country.

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The Susquehanna has long been admired for its beauty. This 1907 postcard draws boaters to its shores.
Detroit Photographic Co./Library of Congress
The river plays host to several bass fishing tournaments each year. Kayaking and paddling are also both popular recreational activities here.
Rivers are typically home to many animal species. However, the Susquehanna has a much more unique resident.
D Blood/Google Maps
The miniature Statue of Liberty was erected in 1986 on an old railroad bridge. Made of Venetian blinds and plywood, she stood 17.5 feet tall. She was placed there by a nearby resident who thought it was a great way to celebrate the Statue of Liberty's 100th anniversary. Sadly, a storm damaged her in 1992.

A second, more durable statue was placed in 1997. This one is 25 feet tall and weighs four tons. She's still standing today!
You may be wondering where the river's unusual name comes from. It's likely from a Lenape tribe word meaning "muddy river" or "oyster river."
PointsOfNoReturn/Wikimedia Commons

Did you know the fascinating history of the Susquehanna River in New York?

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