Protecting the Supply Lines

Securing Harpers Ferry as a supply base was essential during Union Major General Philip H. Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley Campaign in the fall of 1864. Battery #1 overlooked the mouth of the Shenandoah Valley, and these fortifications built by Sheridan were never attacked by the Confederates. Once beyond the safety of Bolivar Heights, Union wagons became favorite targets of Confederate cavalry. Despite harassment from Lieutenant Colonel John S. Mosby's Rebel raiders, Sheridan successfully defeated Lieutenant General Jubal Early's Confederate army in the Shenandoah Valley in four major battles from September 19 through October 19, 1864.

Bolivar, West Virginia · United States