Harpers Ferry Main • Tour the Battlefield > Bolivar Heights


The ridge to the west of Harpers Ferry known as Bolivar Heights was the backbone of the Union position in September of 1862. Union commander Colonel Dixon S. Miles positioned over half his garrison there.

Unfortunately, the two other ridges surrounding Harpers Ferry, Maryland Heights and Loudoun Heights, were considerably higher. When they were seized by Confederate forces at the same time Bolivar Heights was threatened from the west and south, the Union position at Harpers Ferry was doomed.

Map of the Bolivar Heights area on the Harpers Ferry battlefield

Bolivar Heights markers:
A Union Predicament
Battle of Harpers Ferry/Union Stronghold
Bolivar Heights Trail
Casualties of War
Confederate Victory
Closing the Doors
Facing the Enemy
First Year of the War
Fortifying Bolivar Heights
Harpers Ferry – Prize of War
Historic Heights
Protecting the Supply Lines
Rats in a Cage