Which was not a reason for the growth of American cities along rivers in mid-1800s?

There are many reasons why American cities grew along rivers in the mid-1800s, including:

1. Transportation: Rivers were a major means of transportation in the 19th century, and cities that were located along rivers had a significant advantage over those that were not. Rivers allowed for the easy transport of goods and people, and they also made it possible for cities to connect with other regions of the country.

2. Industry: Rivers were also a source of power for many 19th-century industries, such as textile mills, sawmills, and flour mills. Cities that were located along rivers had access to this power source, which gave them a competitive advantage over cities that did not.

3. Water: Rivers provided cities with a source of fresh water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. This was especially important in the days before modern water treatment systems, when waterborne diseases were common.

4. Trade: Rivers were also important trade routes, and cities that were located along rivers had access to a wider range of goods and services. This made it possible for cities to grow and prosper.

However, there were also some reasons why American cities did not grow along rivers in the mid-1800s. These included:

1. Disease: Rivers were also a source of disease, such as cholera and typhoid fever. This was especially true in cities that were not able to properly treat their water.

2. Flooding: Rivers were also prone to flooding, which could damage property and infrastructure. This was especially true in cities that were built in low-lying areas.

3. Pollution: Rivers were also polluted by industrial waste and sewage. This made the water unsafe for drinking, swimming, and fishing.

Overall, the benefits of being located along a river outweighed the drawbacks for many American cities in the mid-1800s. This led to the growth of many large and prosperous cities along rivers such as the Mississippi, the Ohio, and the Hudson.