Battle of Bolivar Heights facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Bolivar Heights
Part of American Civil War
Bolivar Heights informational sign, information about the battle on the right.
Date October 16, 1861 Location Bolivar Heights, Jefferson County, West Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States of America (Union)	Confederate States of America (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
John W. Geary	Turner Ashby
Strength
100 troops	app. 700 troops
Casualties and losses
4 dead, 7 wounded, 2 taken prisoner	1 dead, 9 wounded

The Battle of Bolivar Heights was an early fight in the American Civil War. It happened on October 16, 1861. This battle took place on Bolivar Heights, which is a high, flat area. It looks down over the towns of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and Bolivar, West Virginia. At that time, these towns were part of Virginia.

What Was the Battle of Bolivar Heights?

This battle was a small but important clash between the Union (the North) and the Confederate (the South) forces. It showed how both sides were still learning to fight. The Union wanted to control the area around Harpers Ferry. This was a key location because of its rivers and railroads.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

On October 15, 1861, a Union general named Nathaniel P. Banks gave an order. He told Colonel John Geary to cross the Potomac River. Their goal was to capture wheat that the Confederates had stored. This wheat was near Bolivar Heights. Geary took 600 soldiers across the river. But he sent 500 of them back that same night.

Who Fought in the Battle?

On October 16, a Confederate force attacked Colonel Geary's men. This Confederate group was led by Colonel Turner Ashby. His force included about 300 local soldiers. These soldiers had older, less effective guns. There were also two companies of regular Confederate soldiers. Plus, about 230 cavalrymen, who were soldiers on horseback.

How Did the Battle Unfold?

The Confederate soldiers pushed Geary's Union troops back towards Bolivar. They almost surrounded the Union soldiers. But the Union force then used a clever move. They went around the side of the Confederate lines. This surprised the less experienced Confederate soldiers. The Confederates were then forced to retreat.

During the fight, the Union troops captured a large Confederate cannon. This cannon, a 24-pounder, had broken down.

What Were the Results of the Battle?

Both sides later gave different reports about what happened. Colonel Ashby said his men held their ground for four hours. He claimed they only left because many more Union soldiers arrived. Colonel Geary said the Confederate force was much larger than it really was. He also claimed his men caused many more Confederate injuries.

Ashby reported that his side had one soldier killed and nine wounded. Geary reported that the Union lost four soldiers killed. Seven Union soldiers were wounded, and two were captured. Colonel Geary himself was hurt during the battle. A piece of a shell cut his leg. But he stayed on the battlefield and recovered quickly.