Battery Rock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Battery Rock
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Battery Rock from its base
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | West Bank, River Mile 860, Ohio River |
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| Nearest city | Cave-in-Rock, Illinois |
| Area | 33.5 acres (13.6 ha) |
| MPS | Caught in the Middle: The Civil War on the Lower Ohio River MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 98001257 |
| Added to NRHP | November 5, 1998 |
Battery Rock is a tall limestone cliff located on the Ohio River in Hardin County, Illinois. It sits across the river from Caseyville, Kentucky. This large rock formation is a well-known landmark for boats traveling along the river.
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Battery Rock's Role in the American Civil War
Battery Rock played an important part in several events during the Civil War. This war took place in the United States from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Union (Northern states) and the Confederacy (Southern states).
Union Army Standoff at Battery Rock
In 1862, soldiers from the Union Army set up their base at Battery Rock. They were in a tense situation with Confederate troops. The Confederate soldiers were located across the river in Caseyville. This standoff ended when Union troops moved into Caseyville. They found that the Confederate soldiers had already left the town. The Union soldiers then dealt with the residents who had supported the Confederates.
Confederate Attack on Riverboats
Battery Rock was also important during a Confederate attack in 1864. Confederate General Stovepipe Johnson led this attack on riverboats. During the fighting, many boats used the landing at Battery Rock as a safe place. They could also watch the situation from there.
Recruiting Station and Defense Post
In 1864, two Union recruiters from Kentucky used Battery Rock. They set up a station there to find new soldiers. Also, a group of Union soldiers or a local defense team placed two cannons at the site. These cannons would have helped protect the area. Old writings, called graffiti, left by an Indiana regiment have also been found at Battery Rock.
Battery Rock in Movies
In the 1960s, Battery Rock was used as a place to film a movie. It was a location for the movie How the West Was Won. This film showed stories about the American West.
National Historic Landmark Status
Battery Rock is a special place because of its history and natural beauty. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 5, 1998. This means it is recognized as a site important to the history of the United States.
