- Source: Second Battle of Saltville
The Second Battle of Saltville (December 20–21, 1864), was fought near the town of Saltville, Virginia, during the American Civil War.
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.
Gallery
See also
Saltville Battlefields Historic District
First Battle of Saltville
Salt in the American Civil War
References
CWSAC Saltville
CWSAC Report Update
External links
Battles of Saltville