Second Battle of Saltville

Second Battle of Saltville
Part of American Civil War
View of part of the Saltville battlefield
Date December 20, 1864 (1864-12-20) – December 21, 1864 (1864-12-21) 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 Battle of Saltville (20 December – 21 December 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.

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