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 the state of Louisiana, United States. It is also called Mount Driskill. This small mountain reaches about 535 feet (163 meters) above sea level. You can find it about 5.3 miles (8.5 kilometers) southeast of Bryceland. It is located in Bienville Parish. A large pile of rocks, called a cairn, marks the very top of the mountain.
Contents
About Driskill Mountain
Driskill Mountain was formed over a very long time by nature. It was created when old layers of loose sand and clay were worn away by wind and water. The very top of the mountain is made of sand. Below this, the mountain is mostly made of older layers of clay, silt, and sand.
Plants on the Mountain
Many beautiful plants grow on Driskill Mountain. You can find wild azalea flowers there. Also, dogwood trees grow on the mountaintop.
History of Driskill Mountain
Driskill Mountain is named after James Christopher Driskill. He was born in Henry County, Georgia, in 1817. In 1840, he married Eugenia Irwin Walker.
The Driskill Family Moves
In 1859, James Driskill sold his land in Georgia. He moved his family to Louisiana. His family included his wife, eight sons, and one daughter. By December 1859, Driskill bought 324 acres (1.3 square kilometers) of land in Louisiana. This land included the mountain that now carries his name.
Driskill Family During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, James Driskill served in the Home Guard. This was a local defense group. Sadly, his oldest son, William B. Driskill, died in a battle in Virginia in 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.
A Famous Song on the Summit
A famous musician named Jimmie Davis once played his song You Are My Sunshine on top of Driskill Mountain. His band played with him. Just five years after this performance, Jimmie Davis became the governor of Louisiana. His song You Are My Sunshine later became the official state song of Louisiana.
See also
In Spanish: Monte Driskill para niños
