Saltville | Oct 2, 1864

In early October 1864, as Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan ravaged the Shenandoah Valley, Union forces under Brig. Gen. Stephen G. Burbridge advanced into southwest Virginia with orders to destroy the Confederate saltworks at Saltville. Delayed by Confederate resistance at Clinch Mountain and Laurel Gap, Burbridge's column gave Brig. Gen. Alfred E. Jackson time to gather regular troops and militia units near Saltville.

On October 1, Union forces attacked the Confederate positions but made little progress. Reinforcements steadily bolstered the Southern line throughout the day. After heavy fighting, Burbridge withdrew without destroying the saltworks. In the aftermath, irregular Confederate militia were accused of killing up to 50 captured Black soldiers from the 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry. The partisan leader, Champ Ferguson, was later tried and executed for this and other crimes. A second engagement followed in December, when Union cavalry under Brig. Gen. George Stoneman routed the defenders and successfully destroyed the saltworks.