About Saltville Visit Historic Saltville. Throughout time, the valley has been home to prehistoric animals, Indians, members of Virginia's and America's most prominent families, Union armies and industry, all in search of one thing-salt.
Salt is the town's reason for being.
Excavations have also produced rich finds of an American Indian culture. The historic homes which remain in the valley tell their own histories and those of the families who exploited the salt deposits. During the War Between The States, Saltville commanded one of the most vital areas in the Confederacy, being the only significant source of salt within its bounds. Since salt was the only preservation for meat, Saltville had a large responsibility in feeding the Gray armies in the field. A second and smaller battle was fought on December 20 of the same year.