The Course of the Tennessee River and the Physiography of the Southern Appalachian Region

Abstract

The Tennessee River has been interpreted as a pirate stream. This idea has been rather generally accepted and used. There are opinions to the contrary, but they do not prevail since they have not been so widely published and are seldom taught. It is the purpose of the following article to present an explanation of the course of the river based on the geologic history of the region and obviating the element of stream capture.