Virginia's Civil War Trails project is an effort by dozens of people and local governments to enhance the understanding of Virginia's Civil War experiences by interpreting and linking when appropriate, previously uninterpreted and unconnected sites. There are actual trails to follow, and regional map-brochers are available (or will be soon) from participating localities.
This area of Virginia was of strategic military importance during the Civil War because of the presence of the salt works at Saltville, Abijah Thomas's iron furnace in Smyth County, and the lead mines at nearby Austinville. Two major battles were fought for control of Saltville, and a third major battle was fought in Marion.
The Civil War battle of Marion was fought on December 17 & 18, 1864, when less than 1,000 Confederates under the command of Gen. John C. Breckinridge held off General George Stoneman, and his 4,000 plus Northern troops at the east end of town for two days. The Confederates were entrenched on the hill sides on the north banks of the Middle Fork Holston River with the hardest fighting of the battle occurring by the old covered bridge, near the Allen house. (The Allen house is located on the south bank of the River near the east town limit sign on Route US 11, and near Exit 47 on Interstate 81). Under cover of darkness with ammunition and supplies exhausted, the Confederates left the battlefield, crossing the mountains toward Rye Valley, the only route that was not blocked by Federal troops. After the battle, a detail of Union troops was ordered to burn the bridge. The blaze was put out by Susan Allen, a young daughter of the Allen family. The detail returned for a second try, and after they left, Susan once again, put the fire out. The Union troops continued into Marion in an attempt to destroy lines of communication and facilities useful to the Confederacy. Afraid the Courthouse would be burned, Clerk of the Court, William C. Sexton attempted to save the county's records by moving them to a safer location. The plan was thwarted when he encountered Union troops on Staley Creek road who set his wagon on fire. Because Marion was along the route, and near targets of strategic significance it paid a terrible price.