The Museum of the Middle Appalachians displays and interprets artifacts spanning the entire history of the Salt Valley. A recreated salt furnace and walking beam salt water pump have been built at the Salt Park for the community to present its heritage to the public.  The pristine entrenchments of the Civil War have passed into private hands, except for a small segment on the tip of Chestnut Ridge where the main Confederate defense took place.

The Walking Beam Brine Pump in the Salt Park - Saltville

            Salt is again being produced from wells sunk deep into the earth.  A huge natural gas storage facility utilizing the caverns created by salt extraction exists in the old salt deposit. 

 

            Though seldom thought of, the larger view of the heritage of Saltville is enormous.  The Town of Abingdon, which from the beginning was the face to the world of the wealth produced at Saltville, and its associated First Families of Abingdon, prospers as a medical center and tourist destination for the region.  It is a sought after retirement and cultural center.  Francis and Sarah Preston’s mansion sits on Main Street proudly as a prestigious hotel, “The Martha”.  The Preston wealth has dissipated to the point that is scarcely will pay to keep up the Aspenvale Cemetery, where Francis and Sarah Preston, General William Campbell, and Madam Russell  are buried.  The cemetery is on the registry of National Historic Places.

 

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