Saltville Battlefields Historic District facts for kids
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Saltville Battlefields Historic District
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Saltville Battlefields Historic District, April 2012
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | SR 91, SR 107, CR 632, Saltville, Virginia |
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| Area | 2,737 acres (1,108 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| Architect | Poor, R.L. |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| NRHP reference No. | 10000096 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 25, 2010 |
The Saltville Battlefields Historic District is a special place in Virginia. It's where two important battles happened during the American Civil War in 1864. This area is located around the town of Saltville, which is in Smyth County and Washington County, Virginia.
This historic district protects the main areas where soldiers fought. It includes old buildings, battle sites, structures, and even an object from that time. The battles, known as the Battle of Saltville I and Battle of Saltville II, were fought on October 2 and December 20, 1864. Both sides, the Confederate and Union armies, wanted control of Saltville because it was vital for making salt.
The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
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Why Was Saltville So Important?
Saltville was a very important place during the American Civil War. It was one of the main places in the Southern states where salt was produced. Salt was crucial back then. It was used to preserve food, especially meat, for soldiers and civilians. Without salt, food would spoil quickly, making it hard to feed armies and people.
Because salt was so vital, both the Union (Northern states) and Confederate (Southern states) armies wanted to control Saltville. They knew that if they controlled the saltworks, they could help their own side and hurt the enemy. This made Saltville a key target for military attacks.
The First Battle of Saltville (October 1864)
The first big battle at Saltville happened on October 2, 1864. Union forces, led by General Stephen G. Burbridge, tried to capture the saltworks. They marched into the area, hoping to destroy the salt production facilities.
Confederate soldiers, led by General John S. Williams, defended Saltville. The fighting was fierce. The Confederates managed to hold their ground and push back the Union attack. This meant the saltworks remained under Confederate control, which was a big win for them at the time.
The Second Battle of Saltville (December 1864)
Just a few months later, on December 20, 1864, another battle took place. This time, Union forces, led by General George Stoneman, launched a new attack. They were determined to finally destroy the saltworks.
The Union army was larger and better prepared this time. They fought hard against the Confederate defenders. After intense fighting, the Union forces succeeded in capturing Saltville. They then destroyed the salt-making equipment and facilities. This was a major blow to the Confederate war effort.
What Can You See at the Historic District Today?
The Saltville Battlefields Historic District covers a large area. It includes many important sites from the battles. When you visit, you can see where these historical events happened.
Some of the notable places include:
- Salt Furnaces and Well Fields: These are the areas where salt was actually made and collected.
- Fort Statham and Fort Breckinridge: These were defensive forts built by the soldiers.
- Lover's Leap Defenses and Mill Cliff: These were strategic points where cannons were placed.
- Sanders’ House/Williams Site: This area served as a battlefield and a field hospital.
- William A. Stuart House: An important historic building in the district.
- Elizabeth Cemetery: A cemetery that holds historical significance.
These sites help us understand what happened during the battles and how important Saltville was.
Protecting This Important History
The Saltville Battlefields Historic District was officially recognized in 2010. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This listing helps protect the area so that future generations can learn about this important part of American history. It reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices made during the Civil War.
