First Battle of Saltville facts for kids

Quick facts for kids First Battle of Saltville
Part of the American Civil War
View of part of the Saltville battlefield
Date October 2, 1864 (1864-10-02) Location Smyth County, Virginia Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Stephen G. Burbridge	Alfred E. Jackson
Units involved
5th United States Colored Cavalry	Confederate Home Guard
Strength
5,000–5,200	2,000–2,800
Casualties and losses
450

Map showing the Saltville battlefield area.

The First Battle of Saltville happened on October 2, 1864, near Saltville, Virginia, during the American Civil War. This battle was fought over an important salt-making factory in the town. Salt was very important during the war because it was used to preserve food for soldiers.

The battle involved soldiers from the Confederate army and local defense groups called the Confederate Home Guard. They fought against Union troops, which included some of the first black cavalry units in the United States Colored Troops. The Union forces were led by General Stephen G. Burbridge.

Sadly, after the battle, some wounded Union soldiers were attacked. This event is often called the Saltville Massacre.

Why Was Saltville Important?

Saltville was a crucial place during the Civil War because it had valuable saltworks. Salt was needed to keep meat from spoiling, which was vital for feeding armies. Both the Union and Confederate sides wanted to control these saltworks.

The Union army, led by General Stephen G. Burbridge, tried to capture Saltville to stop the Confederates from getting salt. The Confederate forces, including the local Home Guard, defended the town.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The Union side had about 5,000 to 5,200 soldiers. A special part of their army was the 5th United States Colored Cavalry, made up of African American soldiers.

The Confederate side had fewer soldiers, about 2,000 to 2,800. They were led by General Alfred E. Jackson.

The battle was tough, but in the end, the Confederates won. They managed to protect the saltworks from the Union attack.

The Sad Events After the Battle

Even though the Confederates won the battle, what happened afterward is a very sad part of its history. After the fighting stopped, some wounded Union soldiers, both black and white, were attacked by Confederate soldiers and irregular fighters. These attacks happened on the battlefield and at a hospital set up nearby.

One of the leaders of these irregular fighters was a man named Champ Ferguson. After the war, Ferguson was put on trial in Nashville, Tennessee, for these and other killings. He was found guilty and was executed on October 29, 1865.

Another Confederate officer, General Felix Huston Robertson, was also involved in these terrible acts. When General Robert E. Lee, a top Confederate commander, heard about Robertson's actions, he was very upset. Lee ordered that Robertson be charged and brought to trial for his conduct.

Historians believe that around 45 to 50 Union soldiers, mostly from the 5th and 6th U.S. Colored Cavalry, were unjustly killed after the battle. This event is a reminder of the harsh realities and difficult times during the Civil War.

Second Battle of Saltville

Another battle, called the Second Battle of Saltville, took place in the same area about two months later.

Preserving the Battlefield

Today, groups like the American Battlefield Trust work to protect important historical sites. They and their partners have helped save about 107 acres (0.43 square kilometers) of the Saltville battlefields. This helps us remember and learn about these important events from the past.