Driskill Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Driskill Mountain |
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Driskill Mountain Summit, May 2011
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 535 ft (163 m) NGVD 29 |
| Prominence | 225 ft (69 m) |
| Listing | U.S. state high point 48th |
| Geography | |
 Driskill Mountain
Location in Louisiana
Driskill Mountain
Location in the United States
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| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Driskill Mountain is the highest natural point in Louisiana. It is sometimes called Mount Driskill. This mountain reaches 535 feet (163 m) above sea level.
You can find Driskill Mountain about 5.3 miles (8.5 km) southeast of Bryceland. It is located in Bienville Parish. A large pile of rocks marks the very top of the mountain. Among all U.S. states, Louisiana's highest point is the third lowest. Only Britton Hill in Florida and Ebright Azimuth in Delaware are lower.
Contents
What is Driskill Mountain?
Driskill Mountain was formed over a very long time by natural processes. It was shaped by the wearing away of soft rock and soil. The top of the mountain is made of sandy soil. This sand sits on top of layers of clay and silt. These layers make up most of Driskill Mountain.
Plants and Flowers on the Mountain
You can find beautiful plants growing on Driskill Mountain. These include wild azalea flowers and dogwood trees.
The History of Driskill Mountain
The mountain is named after James Christopher Driskill. He was born in Henry County, Georgia, on June 27, 1817. In 1840, he married Eugenia Irwin Walker.
In October 1859, James Driskill sold his land in Troup County, Georgia. He then moved his family to Louisiana. His family included his wife, eight sons, and one daughter. By December 1859, Driskill bought 324 acres (1.31 km2) of land in Louisiana. This land included Driskill Mountain.
Driskill Family and the Civil War
During the American Civil War, James Driskill was part of the Home Guard. This group helped protect local areas. His oldest son, William B. Driskill, was lost in battle in Virginia on May 5, 1864. Another son, James B. Driskill, went missing after leaving to fight in the war.
Most of Driskill's family stayed in Bienville Parish. Many of his family members still live in the area today. One notable descendant is Col. Joe G. Driskill. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross award. Another descendant, Dakota Driskill, is a writer and artist. She shares stories about growing up on the mountain in her poetry collection, "The Tall Tales of Driskill Mountain."
Music at the Summit
A famous event happened at the top of Driskill Mountain. Jimmie Davis and his band played the song You Are My Sunshine there. Just five years later, Davis became the governor of Louisiana. His song later became the official state song of Louisiana.
See also
In Spanish: Monte Driskill para niños
