Second Battle of Saltville

The Battle of Saltville (20 December – 21 December 1864), was fought near the town of Saltville, Virginia, during the American Civil War.

Second Battle of Saltville
Part of American Civil War

View of part of the Saltville battlefield
DateDecember 20, 1864 (1864-12-20) – December 21, 1864 (1864-12-21)
Location
Saltville, Virginia
Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union) CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
George Stoneman John C. Breckinridge
Strength
4,500 [1] 2,800 [1]
Casualties and losses
unknown unknown

After the defeat of General Stephen G. Burbridge's expedition against Saltville, Union General George Stoneman reassembled a force to destroy the saltworks there. Stoneman's force included Burbridge's Division and a brigade under Brigadier General Alvan C. Gillem.

After defeating a Confederate force at Marion, Virginia on the December 17–18, Stoneman's expedition advanced to Saltville. General John C. Breckinridge had 500 men at Saltville under Colonel Robert Preston. Another brigade of cavalry was en route under General Basil W. Duke. General Gillem led the Union advance and attacked first. Burbridge joined the fight shortly after and the two Federal columns overwhelmed the town's defenses. Colonel Preston ordered a retreat and Stoneman's troops entered the town and destroyed the saltworks, accomplishing the objective of the Union raid.

Battlefield preservation

The Civil War Trust (a division of the American Battlefield Trust) and its partners have acquired and preserved 107 acres (0.43 km2) of the Saltville battlefields.[2]

See also

References
  1. CWSAC Report Update
  2. American Battlefield Trust "Saved Land" webpage. Accessed May 29, 2018.

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