From Great Lakes Wiki
History:
Maumee is a term thought to be derived from the English written interpretation to the French pronunciation of the Ou,miamika, or "Miami" (pron., "Meeaumee"). This native tribe was the dominant culture from the time of western trade and settlement. The native name for this river, as best as this author can interpret and spell, is Ot,tawa,sepe,(ki), or "Standing Rock River," for the many shallows and glacial till that dominate its riverbed.
This river provided access to an expansive trade system for area natives. It was also a crucial transportation and commerce link in the 18th and 19th centuries. The passage up the Maumee River across an 8-mile portage and into the Wabash River system crossed the sub-continental divide. This was the shortest portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system.
Geography:
The Maumee River is the largest river flowing into the Great Lakes. This river is formed from its two major tributaries: the (little) Saint Joseph River, originating in Hillsdale County, MI and the Saint Mary's River, originating in Mercer County, OH. These join in Fort Wayne, IN to form the headwaters of the Maumee River. Further downstream, the Tiffin and AuGlaize Rivers join the Maumee in Defiance, OH to add the last major flows into this watershed.
It is thought that this river was formed after the massive glacial "Lake Maumee" was drained around 12,000 years B.P. The legacy of that prehistoric lake was the "capturing" of the Lesser St. Joe and St. Mary's Rivers, producing the "Great Black Swamp" and the current dimensions of Lake Erie.
Ecology:
More recently, it was the Maumee River that was the focus of a sentinel documentary on the environment. Premiering in 1965, "Fate of a River" examined how this river was overrun by toxic waste, pesticides and herbicides. This river continues to ferry sediment and other contaminants from the watershed out into Maumee Bay in Toledo, OH. The Port of Toledo is one of the most heavily dredged ports on the Great Lakes and, likely, in the United States.
Area of Concern:
Seasonal algal blooms contribute to the continuing concern over the Western Lake Erie Basin. Combined with sediment, these create an extreme hazard to the aquatic life and human economies of the region.
The River has begun to recover and is exhibiting signs of a healthy ecosystem. Walleye are beginning to run and breed on a regular basis. The eagles have begun to re-occupy their niche here as well.
