McColloch's Leap facts for kids
McColloch's Leap was a very brave act that happened in September 1777. It took place during an attack by Native Americans on Fort Henry. This fort was located in what is now Wheeling, West Virginia. The event was part of the American Revolutionary War.
The Attack on Fort Henry
On September 1, 1777, Native American warriors surrounded Fort Henry. Major Samuel McColloch arrived at the fort with 40 men on horseback. The fort's gates were opened to let his men inside. Major McColloch stayed behind to help guide and protect them.
Native Americans attacked, and most of McColloch's men made it inside. But the gates had to be closed, leaving McColloch alone outside. He was surrounded by the attackers.
McColloch's Escape Attempt
Major McColloch was known as a skilled "borderer." This meant he helped protect the frontier areas. Both the settlers and the Native Americans knew him well. Because of his reputation, the Native Americans chased him eagerly.
McColloch rode his horse towards a nearby hill to escape. The warriors followed him closely. They drove him all the way to the top of the hill.
The Daring Leap
As McColloch rode along the hilltop, he saw more Native Americans. He was now completely surrounded. There was no way to escape. He knew that if he was caught alive, he would be killed because of his past actions.
With no other choice, he turned his horse towards a steep cliff. The hill was about 300 feet high in that spot. In many places, it was almost straight down. Holding his horse's reins and his rifle, he made his horse jump over the edge. It seemed like a certain death.
A Miraculous Escape
The Native Americans rushed to the edge of the cliff. They expected to see Major McColloch lying dead at the bottom. But to their great surprise, McColloch was still on his white horse. He was galloping away from them!
As the story of this amazing jump spread, the place became known as McColloch's Leap. It is remembered as a moment of incredible bravery.
