The October battle is infamously remembered for what many say was the senseless killing of black cavalry troops
SALTVILLE, Va. — The fifth annual battle re-enactment of the Battle of Saltville will be held on August 24-25. Re-enactments will begin at 2 p.m. each day.
When the Battle of Saltville is mentioned, most knowledgeable Civil War buffs think of the October 1864 battle that involved the first action in which the Union employed black cavalry troops, who were routed.
But there was another major engagement in Saltville just a few months later, in December, that secured the salt mine operation there on behalf of the Union.
The two weekend battles will be loosely re-enacted with the Union victorious in one and the Confederates victorious in the other.
The October battle is infamously remembered for what many say was the senseless killing of black cavalry troops. Eyewitnesses at the time said that after Confederate troops had repelled the poorly organized Union attack, they took to the fields and began killing wounded black soldiers where they lie.
The second battle was in December of 1864 with Union forces, led by Gen. George Stoneman, successful in taking over the salt mine operations in Saltville.
Visitors to the re-enactments are advised to bring lawn chairs and umbrellas as no seating is provided.
For more information about the re-enactments, call (276) 496-5342.
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