Bolivar Heights facts for kids
Bolivar Heights is a high piece of land, like a big hill, that stands 668 feet (204 meters) tall. It's located in Jefferson County, West Virginia, in the United States. From Bolivar Heights, you can look down on the towns of Harpers Ferry and Bolivar, West Virginia. During the American Civil War, this area saw more fighting than almost any other spot around Harpers Ferry.
History of Bolivar Heights
Bolivar Heights is a plateau, which means it's a flat area of high ground. It's 668 feet (204 meters) high and sits close to the towns of Bolivar, West Virginia and Harpers Ferry.
Civil War Battles
During the American Civil War, Bolivar Heights was a very important location. In October 1861, a battle called the Battle of Bolivar Heights took place here. A Confederate officer named Turner Ashby tried to take control of the heights. However, Union commander John White Geary successfully defended the area, and Ashby's attack failed.
Later, in 1862, the famous Confederate general Stonewall Jackson used Bolivar Heights. His soldiers placed cannons there to shoot at Harpers Ferry below. This was part of a larger attack on Harpers Ferry during the Maryland Campaign.
Later Conflicts and Preservation
Bolivar Heights was attacked many other times during the war. For example, in 1864, Confederate General Jubal Early's army also fought there during their invasion of Maryland.
Today, you can still see parts of the Civil War history at Bolivar Heights. There are old cannons and defensive trenches that have been preserved. It's now a special historical spot managed by the National Park Service. It's part of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where people can visit and learn about this important time in American history.
