In 1862, Union Colonel Dixon Miles considered Bolivar Heights the ideal position from which to defend Harpers Ferry, but in September 1862 he and 14,000 Union soldiers were surrounded there by 24,000 Confederates under “Stonewall” Jackson. From School House Ridge, a Confederate officer called Bolivar Heights “a position strong by nature,” and Jackson agreed. Because he had no time for a siege and did not want to risk an attack up the steep slope of Bolivar Heights, Jackson planned a feint at the southern end of the heights. After a full afternoon of artillery bombardment on September 14, the Confederate plan began as General Hill was ordered to move along the left bank of the Shenandoah, turn the Union left, and enter Harpers Ferry, while General J.R. Jones was directed to make a demonstration against the Union right.
