Bolivar Heights Battlefield — Attraction in Bolivar

On October 15, 1861, Union Major General Nathaniel P. Banks ordered Colonel John White Geary to cross the Potomac River from Maryland Heights, part of Elk Ridge (Maryland) and capture wheat stored by the Confederate States Army near Bolivar Heights.Geary crossed the river with 600 men but sent 500 of them back that night. On October 16, a Confederate force of 300 militia men armed with obsolete flintlock muskets, 2 companies of regular Confederate infantrymen and 230 cavalrymen under Colonel Turner Ashby attacked Geary's force, drove them back to Bolivar and nearly surrounded them.The Union force then flanked the inexperienced Confederates and in turn forced them to withdraw.The Union troops captured a Confederate 24-pound cannon that had broken down during the fight.

Ashby claimed that he had withdrawn in the face of heavy Union reinforcements after holding his position for four hours.Geary greatly exaggerated the size of the Confederate force (3,000) and the number of casualties his men inflicted on them (about 150). In turn, Ashby exaggerated the Union dead, stating that his men had killed 25 Union soldiers. Ashby reported that he lost one dead and nine wounded. Geary reported his losses at four dead, seven wounded and two taken prisoner.Geary himself was one of the wounded, having been cut to the bone below the knee by a shell fragment. He stayed on the field despite the wound, from which he...

This is a wonderfully maintained and preserved piece of history with a breathing view!

Strategically used for it's high placement and tree coverage and because it was in path with and overlooking Harper's ferry, Bolivar heights was grounds for strategic takeover. Harper's ferry itself would change positions 6 times before the final takeover from the north.

You can visit cannons and walk the paths through this magnificent area full of abundant wildlife living quietly amongst old carriages and other historic pieces. Definitely stop by to appreciate the now quiet surroundings in stark contrast to the once brutal and...

Bolivar Heights is a wonderful place to visit to learn about this very historic and important area around Harpers Ferry. Wide open spaces for the kids, cannons, amazing view of the mountains / rivers intersecting, and lots of informative trail plaques. I highly recommend stopping by here. Don't forget the stairs to the right of the 4 cannons (close to parking lot) where you can do a quick path hike down to view more...