4,500 2,800 Dates 20 Dec 1864 – 21 Dec 1864 | unknown unknown Result Union victory | |
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Location Saltville, Virginia, United States Combatants Union, Confederate States of America Similar American Civil War, First Battle of Saltville, Battle of Marion, Battle of Paducah, Battle of Cynthiana | ||
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.