| La Plata | |
|---|---|
 La Plata River in 2007 |
|
| Origin | Cayey, Puerto Rico |
| Mouth | Atlantic Ocean |
| Basin countries | Puerto Rico |
| Length | 97 km |
The Rio de la Plata is the longest river in the island of Puerto Rico. It is located in the north coast of the island. It flows from south to north, and drains into the Atlantic Ocean about 11 miles (18 km) west of San Juan. The mouth of the river is a resort area with white sandy beaches.
La Plata has a length of approximately 60.5 miles (97 kilometers) with its origin in the municipality of Cayey, Puerto Rico, at an altitude of approximately 2,625 feet (800 meters) above sea level. It crosses the municipalities of Comerío, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, and Dorado forming two lakes on its path: Carite Lake and La Plata Lake.
There are many crossings of the river. The Arenas Bridge, in Cayey, is one of the most notable. It is a steel bridge built in 1894 and is still in use. It was the longest bridge built in Puerto Rico by the Spanish.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is undertaking a major flood control project in the river basin.
History
The Taíno indians referred to the river as "thoa" which means mother, which itself gave the name to the towns of Toa Alta and Toa Baja located in the mouth of the river to the Atlantic Ocean.
Cultural references
The river is referenced on the anthem of the town of Toa Baja.
References
- Rio de la Plata, Puerto Rico Flood Control Project - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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