
Saltville History
N 36° 52.233 W 081° 45.381
17S E 432588 N 4080779
Quick Description: Details the History of Saltville, Virginia
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 6/4/2006 5:33:49 PM
Waymark Code: WME83
Views: 10
Long Description:During the Civil War, Saltville was known as the salt capital of
the Confederacy and was always a target of Union Forces. During the
fall and winter of 1864 Union Forces gathered in Southwest Virginia
with three main objectives, to capture the lead mines near
Austinville, disrupte the railroad near Wytheville and capture the
salt works at Saltville. After defeating a Confederate force at
Marion on the December 17-18, 1864 Union Forces under the command
of Major General George Stoneman’s advanced on Saltville. After
determined skirmishing on the part of the outnumbered Confederate
defenders, the Federals captured and destroyed the saltworks,
accomplishing the objective of their raid.
This historical marker is located at the Saltville Scenic
Overlook on Route 107.
The text of the marker reads:
SALTVILLE HISTORY
"William King built salt works there in 1795. In October, 1864,
Union troops, raiding Saltville, were driven off; but in December,
1864, the work's were destroyed by General Stoneman."