Second Battle of Saltville facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Second Battle of Saltville
Part of American Civil War
View of part of the Saltville battlefield
Date December 20–21, 1864 Location Saltville, Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
George Stoneman	John C. Breckinridge
Strength
4,500	2,800
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown

The Second Battle of Saltville was a fight during the American Civil War. It happened on December 20 and 21, 1864, near Saltville, Virginia. This battle was important because Saltville had valuable saltworks. These saltworks produced salt, which was needed to preserve food for soldiers.

Why Saltville Was Important

Saltville was a key place for the Confederacy. The salt produced there was vital for their army. It helped keep meat from spoiling, which was crucial for feeding soldiers. Because of this, the Union army wanted to destroy the saltworks. This would hurt the Confederacy's ability to supply its troops.

Union Plans and Commanders

Earlier in 1864, a Union attack on Saltville had failed. But Union General George Stoneman decided to try again. He gathered a strong force to destroy the saltworks. His army included troops from General Stephen G. Burbridge's division. It also had a group led by Brigadier General Alvan Cullem Gillem.

The Battle Begins

General Stoneman's forces first fought a Confederate group near Marion, Virginia. This happened on December 17 and 18. After winning that fight, Stoneman's army moved toward Saltville.

At Saltville, Confederate General John C. Breckinridge had about 500 men. These soldiers were led by Colonel Robert Preston. Another group of Confederate cavalry, led by General Basil W. Duke, was on its way to help.

Union Victory at Saltville

General Gillem led the first Union attack on Saltville. Soon after, General Burbridge joined the fight. The two Union groups worked together. They were too strong for the town's defenders. Colonel Preston saw that his forces were losing. He ordered his men to retreat.

Stoneman's Union troops then entered Saltville. They successfully destroyed the important saltworks. This meant the Union army had achieved its main goal for the raid. The battle was a victory for the Union.

Battlefield Preservation

Today, parts of the Saltville battlefields are protected. The Civil War Trust, which is part of the American Battlefield Trust, has helped save this land. They and their partners have preserved about 107 acres (0.43 square kilometers) of the battlefield. This helps people learn about this important part of history.

Gallery

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  Map of battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.