The Battle of Saltville, Virginia
Salt was a vital strategic resource during the American Civil War. It was an essential preservative for meat prior to refrigeration. Saltville, in southwestern Virginia, was the largest salt mine in the Confederacy.
“The First Battle of Saltville (October 2, 1864), was fought near the town of Saltville, Virginia, during the American Civil War. The battle was fought by both regular and Home Guard Confederate units against regular Union troops, including one of the few black cavalry units, over an important saltworks in the town. The Union troops were led by Brig. Gen. Stephen G. Burbridge. The murder of captured and wounded black soldiers after the battle has been called the Saltville Massacre.[3]” – Wikipedia
The Confederate guerrilla Champ Ferguson fought in this battle. He was later executed for allegedly murdering surrendered USCT Cavalry soldiers here. There were addition charges including and a U.S. Army Lieutenant at Emory & Henry College, where the wounded from this battle were taken.
Take a 360º look at the Saltville battle sites and the Confederate hospital at Emory & Henry College:
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