James River, river rising in Wells county, central North Dakota, U.S., and flowing in a generally south-southeasterly direction across South Dakota, to join the Missouri River about 5 miles (8 km) below Yankton after a course of 710 miles (1,140 km). Major cities along the river are Jamestown, N.D., and Huron and Mitchell, S.D. A number of dams have been constructed on the James River for recreation and water-supply purposes. A dam near Jamestown provides flood protection and water for irrigation. The river’s drainage basin covers 22,000 square miles (56,980 square km).