Many of my ancestors lived there. My gr.gr. grandfather fought there ( William Gordon 'Cap'n Gord' Rife) who is also the ghost who haunts 'The Tavern' in Abington, Va. where he was shot and killed by a jealous husband in 1880. My Cordle grandparents also lived there and later in Doran, Va. Thank you for the video!
I didn't tie all that together until this comment - I wrote about William Gordon Rife and The Tavern incident several years ago and, of course, lived near all the Cordles in Doran. Small world
Oh my goodness. This was my hometown. I was born at the old hospital Nov. 1,1961. I have so many wonderful memories of Saltville. My grandfather work at the Olin plant. The reason alot of the houses were built alike was because of Olin Co. I have noticed so many places are gone. My great grandfather came over on a ship from Liverpool England to work for Olin. I can't thank you enough for the memories.
Oh, this is so cool! I told Shane I bet we would have at least one person comment they were born in that hospital! So you made my day! It’s always incredible to me to think of our ancestors coming from overseas to work in our little towns. Thanks so much, Robin! We’re glad you enjoyed this. - Melody
We moved to Tennessee on 15 June 1961, but my younger brother and sister were also born in that hospital (1954 & 1958). Dr Hatfield was our family doctor, had a first floor office (SW corner, facing the town). My last overnight hospitalization was here, also '58, when I had my tonsils taken out. Dad worked at Olin, as did most of the town folk.
Thanks for the tour. My uncle William Crabtree was one of the founders. He was a longhunter who came there for the game. His son Jacob was one of the twenty men who cut the trail to Kentucky. His son Issak was with James Boone when he was killed. Sons Jacob and James were with the Overmountain Men that fought at Kings Mtn.
My Grandfather was from there. He was born in 1910, and talked about going with his Father on Christmas Day to look for bodies. Had many memories there growing up and visiting cousins. The big grocery store in the 60s and 70s there was the Piggly Wiggly. My kinfolk always had a story about something that happened there. Great video my friends.
This was a very interesting ride to say the least! Loved the windows in the church & the history behind it; never dreamed wooly mammoths had actually been known to roam VA! The museum was extremely interesting to see. I can't believe Saltville is not a more well-known area. Loved this ride & all this history. You guys are awesome at finding such wonderful places for us to see! Have fun & stay safe! Blessings from VA!
Thank you, Debbie! We always appreciate you so much. I’ve lived pretty close to Saltville my whole life and never knew the well of history was that deep there! I just loved that church with the stained glass too. It was a fun and interesting trip to say the least! Thanks again! - Melody
What a beautiful church and the staind glass . I love staind glass. the museum was interesting and just the overall history of the whole town . I would love to go visit sometime. Thank you for another great time . Much love for the both of you ❤ .
Thanks for the tour! I come across so much civil war veteran history during my travels here in Oregon and I always wonder what the towns look like these days. Learning about Champ Ferguson and the Saltville Massacre was crazy.
Love your adventure’s! Y’all are doing a great job! My husband and I live in North Carolina and we come to Bristol on weekends to stay with his 94 year old mother and we enjoy taking her out for adventures. Today we went to Lebanon to checkout the city yard sale and tried to get lost in the Russell County countryside. When we got home we watched this episode. We would have been very excited too see y’all!
Thank you! I’m a Russell County girl so it thrills my heart to know y’all enjoyed its beauty! We hope you enjoy our video on Lebanon too! Thank you so much again!! - Melody
I loved this video so much! My husband found, so on his account, this as we are living in New Zealand (he is a Kiwi) and I was born and raised in Saltville (Go Panthers!). He absolutely loves Saltville (he has said VA feels like home to him) and we hope to move back to VA one day so the population may increase by 2 at some point. My Grandfather was a floor supervisor at Olin and also the trail was named after Helen Barbrow, she was a special lady who was the librarian at Saltville Elementary School and help found the museum. She was one of my mother's best friends and brought so much culture to the area. In the library she had a mammoth tusk, a live tarantula and a snake! When Olin was booming there was a movie theatre, skating rink, and actual salt pools you could float in. Amazing job on the video and I so respect how you are putting the rich culture of Appalachia out there - it is truly a special place with so many wonderful souls. It will always be home. Again, LOVED this!
My father was born and raised here. I visited twice as a child and remember the Salt Buckets and Train. My grandfather worked for Olin. My dad was Curtis Wayne Dodd (RB Worthy Class of 1967). My grandparents were Estel Blevins and Mary Chapman Blevins.
My memory of Saltville was visiting my Great Aunt Lilly's store that was in the front of her house. This was 1968 and I was fascinated that the front of her house was a little store.
Thanks for sharing this. I grew up less than a mile from Aspenvale Cemetery. In the summertime, I would walk down the road and up the hill to the cemetery just to read the headstones and old markers. Many years later, I was a Band Director at Northwood High School in Saltville. I taught at the High School, the Elementary School, and about 10 miles beyond at the Middle School ( which was the Rich Valley High School before the consolidation of Rich Valley and R.B. Worthy - that's why the new school had to choose a different name and mascot ). When I was a kid in the '60's there were bucket lines above the roads and grounds that carried mined spoils to the plants. Gypsum mining in the area was a huge deal. The school was funded by the company, not part of the county school system back in the day. They had the finest equipment money could buy. By the time I taught at NHS, all that had vanished. I made many wonderful friends during my time there. Saltville is full of rich history indeed. Thanks again !!!
Thank you so much for this video. My father lived in Saltville while growing up. We went to visit several times a year. I grew up going to the Madam Russell church. Was so nice to see the inside again. Brought back so many memories
Several things: First of all, Thank you so much for the video!! Second: That "rounded" area in the old church may have been where the baptismal was. Third: I've been to Saltville, and LOVE it, and have been to Laurel Bed Lake. That's a pretty place, too. And lastly, I believe they are still mining salt in Saltville. Any idea where a person could buy some without going through a representative?
As a 40-year member of MRUMC the story I've always heard was that it was added to make it less noticable that the the big, beautiful stained glass window wasn't centered on the front. You can tell it when looking at the window on the inside.
Historical Hint: look at the historical churches & wooden benches - you may See Teeth Marks from the Civil War/ both sides but yet Injured & women quickly turning in to Nurses. “Socks Knitters”. My Son bought me a *Where Map Book & I’ll get that link to you when I 🥶 go outside to Truck. Niiice Going along with you two. History and HERstory. 👍🏼🇺🇸👋🏼
So cool guys. I love that you all check out the little museums we have scattered all across Appalachia that people wouldn't normally think to check out. Thank you all!
Madam Russell's 1st husband was Col. William Campbell who commanded and led 400 Virginia Militia to the battle at Kings Mountain, Oct 1781 in the Revolutionary. This contingent of men from Southwest Virginia mostly consisted of his unit and his cousin's group. The Campbell family had business interests including salt mining in Saltville and I believed resided close by the area. Col. Campbell was elected leader of the combined militia force of 900-1000 that lead to over the whelming victory at KM. My direct relative, Major William Edmondson was his second in command and had his home near Gladys Springs. It was moved to Emory (across from Emory and Henry College) and operates as a B&B today. Many Saltville battle dead reside up the hill behind this location in a graveyard. Col Campbell would fall sick and die not far and just before the Battle of Yorktown. The 1st Governors of Tenn.(Servier) and Ken.(Shelby) were prominent militia leaders who elected him leader of the KM contingent.
I read about this but didn't see it. Thanks so much! Some of those residents stay slim carrying groceries up all those steps. Thanks for the Civil War briefing.
Born and raised here. Born in the old T.K McKee hospital 1963. Thanks for the video, Just found your channel today. The library is the old post office. My Dad n grandfather worked for Olin. When you do part 2 be sure to eat at bucks, Reccommended the double cheeseburger or a foot long hot dog 😀 Be sure to go back to the lake. 👍
Next time, visit Rich Valley Presbyterian, the view is breathtaking. On the way, the Holston River runs on your right. My grandmother’s childhood home is located on the river and is accessed by suspended bridge. You will see a pull off area for residents to park their cars and cross.I believe this is the North Holston area , just outside Saltville. Also in Saltville, a gorgeous mountaintop lake is a must see, the drive up is a thrill. Big fishing there as well. The rhododendrons are must see in June.
Well, you guy's have finally made me to have to make a comment. I've been watching your videos for over a year now and figured I should say your videos are great. I started watching when Shane visited Thurman, WV. My brother and I went there on our motorcycles from Michigan back in 1998. Then awhile back, you guy's visited Coeburn, VA, where a Great Aunt had a clothing store on main street. The last time I was there was 1981. And now Saltville. I had an Uncle and Aunt who owned a clothing store there back in the 60's. One day y'all have to get up to Clintwood, VA where I had many relatives. My mom grew up on a ridge (661) near Fremont, VA. Thanks and keep up the great work. Later.👍
well, I am glad we finally smoked you out, Joel lol. We definitely have Clintwood and all of Dickenson County on our hit list, just haven't had the chance to get over there yet. Thanks for the comment and for watching, we appreciate you
You are in a great small town! Saltville was one of the towns that both the Confederates and Union wanted control. It has been a while since I last visited Saltville. It is such a neat place. I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Great stuff folks!! Who knows - you just might come across a thirdary road! Ha! You are such neat people to do what you have doing the last few years. It really helps people view and realize all of the history of the places that you visit. Just keep up the great work that you do and stay safe.
My dad lived in Hayters Gap (I believe that's where it was), not far at all from "Saltvegas". It's been a long time since I've been up there. Doesnt look like an awful lot has changed but that was nice, felt like I was revisiting. He worked at a natural gas storage facility and if I'm not mistaken they stored the natural gas in old salt caverns. Seems like I remember them selling the land to someone that wanted to start a fish farm and I think it was cobia they were planning to raise, which is a saltwater fish, a large very good eating fish.
It was an indoor fish farm and was located in a huge building opposite Bucks drive-in. It operated for several years but I don't think cobia ever really caught on so the facility closed. The building is now being used by a winemaker to store barrels I believe.
Cool video guys..I'm from here in Saltville... yall done great job... seen yall stopped at coaches ..its own by my cousin and her husband..and it's named coaches after his dad which was a coach for the RB worthy.." The Shakers".. which was Coach Rhea..... and the old pool years ago way before my time when my mom and them went to pool it was Salt water pool... and the library use to be the post office .. yall done an awesome job guys.
@@realappalachia yall are very welcome..glad I came across the videos..watching a bunch them now..lol.. and if yall do a second part to Saltville would be glad to share some more with you all.. me and wife would be glad to maybe meet up at coaches and share some with you yall..
Thanks for the video. My whole family is from there. My brother and sister were born in that ole hospital you mentioned on the way in. My Grandmother lived up on Lick Skillet. Thanks again for such a great video.
Thank You Shane and Melody that was a GLORIOUS video. So much Information and detail as always. Love your hair Melody (Shane yours isn't bad either). May the LORD bless you and keep you.
I was in the Saltville area in the 1980's to do an article about the old N&W Railway branch which went through town. At that time, there was a huge - mostly abandoned - plant just out of town. The rail branch was no longer in use, due to subsidence in the gypsum mines in the area. The old chemical plant was quite a site and (I believe) had been used to make rocket fuel in WW II. There were dozens of old railroad cars there being scraped. I'm curious what ever happened to that old plant?
You are headed in the right direction about the "rocket fuel" ... a hydrazine plant, different from the main plant, was at the north end of town. It was one of two sites - the other in Louisiana, as I recall - that made fuel for the lunar landers in the Apollo program.
Colonel William Campbell lead the longbow hunters. One of my direct line grandfathers was William crabtree of Saltville was one of the longbow hunters.
There are plenty of hunters encounters talking about watching bigfoots hunting down the deers that the hunters were trying to shoot. Many talk about how the bigfoots ran down the deer and broke their legs or necks and carried the deer on their shoulders.
My mother was born and raised in saltville! My grandparents martha and earl hayton lived on beaver creek and the bridge next to their house is actually dedicated to my cousin Troy Hayton who did in Vietnam! And my cousin was chief of police for years! And by the way...your should have tried buck's ....awesome burgers!
Great video guys. If you do a part 2 I'd love to hear more detail on the salt production. It appeared that some was gotten by boiling the brine being pumped from underground and some was dug out.
Have you ever been licked by a Buffalo (Bison) ? They have a huge and long purple tounge. Pretty traumatic for a kid. I used to feed them English man's foot, a plant, at the Game Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky.
thanks so much, Christopher, we haven't been licked by a bison but that sounds like no fun. They have several near the Cumberland Gap Park but you can't get close enough for them to lick you
You guys are fantastic. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and research. I learn something new every time. I'd love to know the name of the architect of that church.
This William Russell was a cousin to Capt. John R Russell of Pennington Gap. William Russell also had a house that Henry Ford restored in Williamsburg, Va. He also had a brother Henry that was killed by indians when he was with Israel Boone son of Daniel Boone.
We certainly enjoyed the video again as always! I heard from someone that lives there close that they were storing Natural Gas in the old underground salt mines! Is there anything to this? Keep up the great work, catch you soon! Be safe!
I suggested the Battle of Athens but NOOOOOO... Shane, AND Melody, decide to educate us on the dietary habits of Bigfoot! Of course you had my wife sitting on the edge of her seat saying,"now I didn't know that's what Bigfoot ate?". But it's all good, y'all are a trip! Great show as always kiddos!
Another great video as usual, Melody i could see you as a cheerleader, You have that smile and presence, do you have or have you done a video on Chilohowie? I stopped there once on my way to Florida. Thanks Greg
Why would you ever change a great name, Shakers to the what? So much amazing history there. Another place I have to go to. Thanks so much for showing this.
When R. B. Worthy consolidated with its longtime rival it was decided that, in the interest of unity, a completely different name should be chosen. I was a Shaker and also hate that we lost that unique name but I understand the reasoning behind it.
Early in the video you said Saltville's population was in decline, later on y'all were discussing what Bigfoot or the Wood Booger ate. Well, Shane and Melody, y'all may have just hit upon why the town's population is declining! All my family is from this area, so I can say we're all accounted for. Enjoyed the video!
A very nice video! But I've got to ask about the food...was it Coaches? I don't know what you ate. 2 thumbs up but what was it and did you both eat. I may be the only one but I am always interested in where and what you all eat..you often talk about places to eat but rarely show it.
The muck dam disaster had nothing to do with the salt works. It was from the waste byproduct from the Mathison aliki plant which made different chemical products. The waste was a white sludge which was dammed up down river from the plant.
At minute 21:44, what was Shane’s dialogue??? I cannot understand what he was saying. It looks like Shane may have been angry or that may be his “Full-Hungry-Man look,” like as to say not to mess with him since he’s about to eat. :) :) :)
now, in my defense, I thought she was taking a pic of the food and had no idea she was videoing me at the time. It was all I could do to hold back from digging in to the tots lol.
Capped and sealed mines are used there for L.P. Storage. I know. I worked there. I also know nothing is open except maybe a gas station, after 9:00pm M-F in Saltville, Virginia. It's a beautiful target for the Taliban to wipe off the face of the earth. Encore - presentation or a part two please ! :)
If I ever wanted to live in the slowest moving town I have ever been to, Saltville would be it. Nothing but traffic moves fast in Saltville, Virginia ! Lol!
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Boy I miss my mountains!!! Y’all take me back home with your videos
so glad to bring you a little bit of home
Many of my ancestors lived there. My gr.gr. grandfather fought there ( William Gordon 'Cap'n Gord' Rife) who is also the ghost who haunts 'The Tavern' in Abington, Va. where he was shot and killed by a jealous husband in 1880. My Cordle grandparents also lived there and later in Doran, Va. Thank you for the video!
I didn't tie all that together until this comment - I wrote about William Gordon Rife and The Tavern incident several years ago and, of course, lived near all the Cordles in Doran. Small world
A ghost, oh my
@@realappalachia that sounds spooky.
Oh my goodness. This was my hometown. I was born at the old hospital Nov. 1,1961. I have so many wonderful memories of Saltville. My grandfather work at the Olin plant. The reason alot of the houses were built alike was because of Olin Co. I have noticed so many places are gone. My great grandfather came over on a ship from Liverpool England to work for Olin. I can't thank you enough for the memories.
Oh, this is so cool! I told Shane I bet we would have at least one person comment they were born in that hospital! So you made my day! It’s always incredible to me to think of our ancestors coming from overseas to work in our little towns. Thanks so much, Robin! We’re glad you enjoyed this. - Melody
My hometown also, Robin. I was born in 1952 in the old hospital. T.K. McKee I think it was back then. Graduated from R.B. Worthy in 1970.
We moved to Tennessee on 15 June 1961, but my younger brother and sister were also born in that hospital (1954 & 1958). Dr Hatfield was our family doctor, had a first floor office (SW corner, facing the town). My last overnight hospitalization was here, also '58, when I had my tonsils taken out. Dad worked at Olin, as did most of the town folk.
You two are such good teachers. I just learn so much about Appalachia and no negativisms. >Thanks!
Thank you so much
I love your videos. Its great that you guys are documenting the true history of Appalachia. Southwest Virginia.❤️
Thank you so much
Thanks for the tour. My uncle William Crabtree was one of the founders. He was a longhunter who came there for the game. His son Jacob was one of the twenty men who cut the trail to Kentucky. His son Issak was with James Boone when he was killed. Sons Jacob and James were with the Overmountain Men that fought at Kings Mtn.
My Grandfather was from there. He was born in 1910, and talked about going with his Father on Christmas Day to look for bodies. Had many memories there growing up and visiting cousins. The big grocery store in the 60s and 70s there was the Piggly Wiggly. My kinfolk always had a story about something that happened there. Great video my friends.
thanks so much, Spot, I bet your grandfather never forgot about looking for bodies that day, man, that hits home.
Could you imagine a 14 year old doing that today
@@spotcardwell5477not in a million years to be honest
This was a very interesting ride to say the least! Loved the windows in the church & the history behind it; never dreamed wooly mammoths had actually been known to roam VA! The museum was extremely interesting to see. I can't believe Saltville is not a more well-known area. Loved this ride & all this history. You guys are awesome at finding such wonderful places for us to see! Have fun & stay safe! Blessings from VA!
Thank you, Debbie! We always appreciate you so much. I’ve lived pretty close to Saltville my whole life and never knew the well of history was that deep there! I just loved that church with the stained glass too. It was a fun and interesting trip to say the least! Thanks again! - Melody
When I was a kid we had our Boy Scout meetings in Madam Russell church. Love that old church.
What a beautiful church and the staind glass . I love staind glass. the museum was interesting and just the overall history of the whole town . I would love to go visit sometime. Thank you for another great time . Much love for the both of you ❤ .
Thank you so much, Tracy, it is a great place to check out if you get an opportunity
I ❤️ y’all’s videos
thanks so much, Steven, it doesn't get any better than that
I live here and I love it 🫶🏻it’s a beautiful town with great history💜🫶🏻🤍
Thanks for the tour! I come across so much civil war veteran history during my travels here in Oregon and I always wonder what the towns look like these days. Learning about Champ Ferguson and the Saltville Massacre was crazy.
The Saltville Massacre was a very dark and shameful chapter in history, sad to know things like that happened
Love your adventure’s! Y’all are doing a great job! My husband and I live in North Carolina and we come to Bristol on weekends to stay with his 94 year old mother and we enjoy taking her out for adventures. Today we went to Lebanon to checkout the city yard sale and tried to get lost in the Russell County countryside. When we got home we watched this episode. We would have been very excited too see y’all!
Thank you! I’m a Russell County girl so it thrills my heart to know y’all enjoyed its beauty! We hope you enjoy our video on Lebanon too! Thank you so much again!! - Melody
I miss it, grew up there, miss my home every day! I was shocked when it was in Animal Planet for “finding Bigfoot”
I loved this video so much! My husband found, so on his account, this as we are living in New Zealand (he is a Kiwi) and I was born and raised in Saltville (Go Panthers!). He absolutely loves Saltville (he has said VA feels like home to him) and we hope to move back to VA one day so the population may increase by 2 at some point. My Grandfather was a floor supervisor at Olin and also the trail was named after Helen Barbrow, she was a special lady who was the librarian at Saltville Elementary School and help found the museum. She was one of my mother's best friends and brought so much culture to the area. In the library she had a mammoth tusk, a live tarantula and a snake! When Olin was booming there was a movie theatre, skating rink, and actual salt pools you could float in. Amazing job on the video and I so respect how you are putting the rich culture of Appalachia out there - it is truly a special place with so many wonderful souls. It will always be home. Again, LOVED this!
Thanks you my friend see you soon
Thank you too, Donna
Saltville Virginia is my hometown. I now live in Marion Virginia.
My father was born and raised here. I visited twice as a child and remember the Salt Buckets and Train. My grandfather worked for Olin. My dad was Curtis Wayne Dodd (RB Worthy Class of 1967). My grandparents were Estel Blevins and Mary Chapman Blevins.
My grandfather grew up in Saltville. Born there too. I wish i had talked more with him about this place.
My memory of Saltville was visiting my Great Aunt Lilly's store that was in the front of her house. This was 1968 and I was fascinated that the front of her house was a little store.
I love it when you visit the museums!
love your vids, I watch all the time.
Thank you two for the tours you do
Thanks for sharing this. I grew up less than a mile from Aspenvale Cemetery. In the summertime, I would walk down the road and up the hill to the cemetery just to read the headstones and old markers. Many years later, I was a Band Director at Northwood High School in Saltville. I taught at the High School, the Elementary School, and about 10 miles beyond at the Middle School ( which was the Rich Valley High School before the consolidation of Rich Valley and R.B. Worthy - that's why the new school had to choose a different name and mascot ). When I was a kid in the '60's there were bucket lines above the roads and grounds that carried mined spoils to the plants. Gypsum mining in the area was a huge deal. The school was funded by the company, not part of the county school system back in the day. They had the finest equipment money could buy. By the time I taught at NHS, all that had vanished. I made many wonderful friends during my time there. Saltville is full of rich history indeed. Thanks again !!!
Thank you so much for this video. My father lived in Saltville while growing up. We went to visit several times a year. I grew up going to the Madam Russell church. Was so nice to see the inside again. Brought back so many memories
So glad we brought you back some good memories, Lynnette
We still go visit at least once a year. Still have many relatives living there
Several things: First of all, Thank you so much for the video!! Second: That "rounded" area in the old church may have been where the baptismal was. Third: I've been to Saltville, and LOVE it, and have been to Laurel Bed Lake. That's a pretty place, too. And lastly, I believe they are still mining salt in Saltville. Any idea where a person could buy some without going through a representative?
As a 40-year member of MRUMC the story I've always heard was that it was added to make it less noticable that the the big, beautiful stained glass window wasn't centered on the front. You can tell it when looking at the window on the inside.
thanks so much for watching and the comment. I hope a local can tell you how to buy local salt
Historical Hint: look at the historical churches & wooden benches - you may See Teeth Marks from the Civil War/ both sides but yet Injured & women quickly turning in to Nurses. “Socks Knitters”. My Son bought me a *Where Map Book & I’ll get that link to you when I 🥶 go outside to Truck. Niiice Going along with you two. History and HERstory. 👍🏼🇺🇸👋🏼
We still sell salt to the whole world...U.S.C still up and running
So cool guys. I love that you all check out the little museums we have scattered all across Appalachia that people wouldn't normally think to check out. Thank you all!
Thank you! I agree about the museums. We both love seeing them. I wouldn’t have imagined how great this one was until I went inside. - Melody
Nice job keep it up guys
I love your videos because they take you back in time thanks a lot.
that is a great compliment, Eddie, thank you
Madam Russell's 1st husband was Col. William Campbell who commanded and led 400 Virginia Militia to the battle at Kings Mountain, Oct 1781 in the Revolutionary. This contingent of men from Southwest Virginia mostly consisted of his unit and his cousin's group. The Campbell family had business interests including salt mining in Saltville and I believed resided close by the area. Col. Campbell was elected leader of the combined militia force of 900-1000 that lead to over the whelming victory at KM. My direct relative, Major William Edmondson was his second in command and had his home near Gladys Springs. It was moved to Emory (across from Emory and Henry College) and operates as a B&B today. Many Saltville battle dead reside up the hill behind this location in a graveyard. Col Campbell would fall sick and die not far and just before the Battle of Yorktown. The 1st Governors of Tenn.(Servier) and Ken.(Shelby) were prominent militia leaders who elected him leader of the KM contingent.
What an excellent video, thank you Shane and Melody! Very cool place and I loved your coverage.
thanks so much, Robin!
I read about this but didn't see it. Thanks so much! Some of those residents stay slim carrying groceries up all those steps. Thanks for the Civil War briefing.
Awesome old history indeed. Very cool and inspiring.thank you guys.
Thank you, Kevin! - Melody
@@realappalachia Thank you.
It is very pretty there and I look forward to part 2 ! 🥰
thanks so much, Sandy
Born and raised here. Born in the old T.K McKee hospital 1963. Thanks for the video, Just found your channel today. The library is the old post office. My Dad n grandfather worked for Olin. When you do part 2 be sure to eat at bucks, Reccommended the double cheeseburger or a foot long hot dog 😀 Be sure to go back to the lake. 👍
Oh my, that food makes me want to go back ASAP. We appreciate you checking out our channel
@@realappalachia You're welcome, I'm watching the video right now Called the Black Sister's, so interesting!
Next time, visit Rich Valley Presbyterian, the view is breathtaking. On the way, the Holston River runs on your right. My grandmother’s childhood home is located on the river and is accessed by suspended bridge. You will see a pull off area for residents to park their cars and cross.I believe this is the North Holston area , just outside Saltville. Also in Saltville, a gorgeous mountaintop lake is a must see, the drive up is a thrill. Big fishing there as well. The rhododendrons are must see in June.
Home of the Northwood Panthers! Knew several college friends from Saltville. Nice little town! Thanks for posting!
you know it, it is now Panther Nation
Well, you guy's have finally made me to have to make a comment. I've been watching your videos for over a year now and figured I should say your videos are great. I started watching when Shane visited Thurman, WV. My brother and I went there on our motorcycles from Michigan back in 1998. Then awhile back, you guy's visited Coeburn, VA, where a Great Aunt had a clothing store on main street. The last time I was there was 1981. And now Saltville. I had an Uncle and Aunt who owned a clothing store there back in the 60's. One day y'all have to get up to Clintwood, VA where I had many relatives. My mom grew up on a ridge (661) near Fremont, VA. Thanks and keep up the great work. Later.👍
well, I am glad we finally smoked you out, Joel lol. We definitely have Clintwood and all of Dickenson County on our hit list, just haven't had the chance to get over there yet. Thanks for the comment and for watching, we appreciate you
You are in a great small town! Saltville was one of the towns that both the Confederates and Union wanted control. It has been a while since I last visited Saltville. It is such a neat place. I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Great stuff folks!! Who knows - you just might come across a thirdary road! Ha! You are such neat people to do what you have doing the last few years. It really helps people view and realize all of the history of the places that you visit. Just keep up the great work that you do and stay safe.
Thank you so much! ❤️❤️
My dad lived in Hayters Gap (I believe that's where it was), not far at all from "Saltvegas". It's been a long time since I've been up there. Doesnt look like an awful lot has changed but that was nice, felt like I was revisiting. He worked at a natural gas storage facility and if I'm not mistaken they stored the natural gas in old salt caverns. Seems like I remember them selling the land to someone that wanted to start a fish farm and I think it was cobia they were planning to raise, which is a saltwater fish, a large very good eating fish.
Great inside story here. Loved the one about the guy was going to raise salt water fish. Epic.
It was an indoor fish farm and was located in a huge building opposite Bucks drive-in. It operated for several years but I don't think cobia ever really caught on so the facility closed. The building is now being used by a winemaker to store barrels I believe.
I wonder what ever happened to the fish farm idea, it would be a great place for one
Nice. Been waiting on this one. Thanks!!!
My hometown.
Cool video guys..I'm from here in Saltville... yall done great job... seen yall stopped at coaches ..its own by my cousin and her husband..and it's named coaches after his dad which was a coach for the RB worthy.." The Shakers".. which was Coach Rhea..... and the old pool years ago way before my time when my mom and them went to pool it was Salt water pool... and the library use to be the post office .. yall done an awesome job guys.
Thanks so much, Jimmy, we appreciate that info and the great feedback. Glad you liked it.
@@realappalachia yall are very welcome..glad I came across the videos..watching a bunch them now..lol.. and if yall do a second part to Saltville would be glad to share some more with you all.. me and wife would be glad to maybe meet up at coaches and share some with you yall..
That was really awesome you guys do a great job 👍
Thank you 😊
It's amazing how buildings were made in the old timey days, they were built to last, now they use particle board to build.
ain't that the truth
Thanks for the video. My whole family is from there. My brother and sister were born in that ole hospital you mentioned on the way in. My Grandmother lived up on Lick Skillet. Thanks again for such a great video.
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and for the comment.
Oh i love the mill
Thank You Shane and Melody that was a GLORIOUS video. So much Information and detail as always. Love your hair Melody (Shane yours isn't bad either). May the LORD bless you and keep you.
Thanks so much, Greg!
I was in the Saltville area in the 1980's to do an article about the old N&W Railway branch which went through town. At that time, there was a huge - mostly abandoned - plant just out of town. The rail branch was no longer in use, due to subsidence in the gypsum mines in the area. The old chemical plant was quite a site and (I believe) had been used to make rocket fuel in WW II. There were dozens of old railroad cars there being scraped. I'm curious what ever happened to that old plant?
You are headed in the right direction about the "rocket fuel" ... a hydrazine plant, different from the main plant, was at the north end of town. It was one of two sites - the other in Louisiana, as I recall - that made fuel for the lunar landers in the Apollo program.
Good grief man,buy your girl some apple butter.😎
My hometown
Colonel William Campbell lead the longbow hunters. One of my direct line grandfathers was William crabtree of Saltville was one of the longbow hunters.
There are plenty of hunters encounters talking about watching bigfoots hunting down the deers that the hunters were trying to shoot. Many talk about how the bigfoots ran down the deer and broke their legs or necks and carried the deer on their shoulders.
Wow! Y'all told me more about Saltville than I ever knew and I just live in Marion, not far from there.
that is awesome, Ellen, glad to know that
My Dad was born there in 1900 there are still Maiden living there
My mother was born and raised in saltville! My grandparents martha and earl hayton lived on beaver creek and the bridge next to their house is actually dedicated to my cousin Troy Hayton who did in Vietnam! And my cousin was chief of police for years! And by the way...your should have tried buck's ....awesome burgers!
Small world, my grandfather is the brother of your grandfather. 💗
Nice
You all need to contact Don Smith. He has so much information and history about Saltville. He also has tons and tons of pictures.
thanks for the tip!
“I’m excited about that, are you?” Got it!
Great video guys. If you do a part 2 I'd love to hear more detail on the salt production. It appeared that some was gotten by boiling the brine being pumped from underground and some was dug out.
Thanks for the suggestion! Will do!
Have you ever been licked by a Buffalo (Bison) ? They have a huge and long purple tounge. Pretty traumatic for a kid. I used to feed them English man's foot, a plant, at the Game Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky.
It is also called plantain. Love your channel
thanks so much, Christopher, we haven't been licked by a bison but that sounds like no fun. They have several near the Cumberland Gap Park but you can't get close enough for them to lick you
All my kin folk on my momma side is from here. Cruey, Farmer, Moore, Helton.
You guys are fantastic. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and research. I learn something new every time. I'd love to know the name of the architect of that church.
thank you so much, not sure who the architect was but he/she did a marvelous job
If you get deep enough you can find cops getting handies in the woods.
Safe travels
I would gladly buy a home and move back, we had a plot of land on Mount Roger’s. If I was allowed back
I would love to see it restored
This William Russell was a cousin to Capt. John R Russell of Pennington Gap. William Russell also had a house that Henry Ford restored in Williamsburg, Va. He also had a brother Henry that was killed by indians when he was with Israel Boone son of Daniel Boone.
Love this video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
We certainly enjoyed the video again as always! I heard from someone that lives there close that they were storing Natural Gas in the old underground salt mines! Is there anything to this? Keep up the great work, catch you soon! Be safe!
I had never heard that about the natural gas, I hope a local can confirm or deny that being true. Thanks so much as always, we appreciate you!
@@realappalachia Grew up there, 1950s, but I understand they do store natural gas underground there.
I suggested the Battle of Athens but NOOOOOO... Shane, AND Melody, decide to educate us on the dietary habits of Bigfoot! Of course you had my wife sitting on the edge of her seat saying,"now I didn't know that's what Bigfoot ate?". But it's all good, y'all are a trip! Great show as always kiddos!
we definitely get sidetracked from time to time lol
@@realappalachia But it's all fun!!!
Lovely tour of a lovely place. The Dollar General is tucked away in every corner of every town it seems. Hmmm.
Thank you, yes, Dollar Generals are aplenty in our area
I heard "Big Foot" eats the same BS that those who seek him search for. LOL
can't argue with that one lol
Saltville needs to take better care of the William King house I moved to Saltville about 22 years ago Check out the old house in the well fields.
I love Appalachia
Another great video as usual, Melody i could see you as a cheerleader, You have that smile and presence, do you have or have you done a video on Chilohowie? I stopped there once on my way to Florida. Thanks Greg
Thanks, Greg! We haven’t covered Chilhowie yet but we will! - Melody
I was born on the Lick Skillet in 1941. Will be a Shaker until I kick the bucket. Go Shakers Go.
Why would you ever change a great name, Shakers to the what? So much amazing history there. Another place I have to go to. Thanks so much for showing this.
When R. B. Worthy consolidated with its longtime rival it was decided that, in the interest of unity, a completely different name should be chosen. I was a Shaker and also hate that we lost that unique name but I understand the reasoning behind it.
it is a great town...man, I don't understand giving up that great name either
My home town
Early in the video you said Saltville's population was in decline, later on y'all were discussing what Bigfoot or the Wood Booger ate. Well, Shane and Melody, y'all may have just hit upon why the town's population is declining! All my family is from this area, so I can say we're all accounted for.
Enjoyed the video!
😯😯😯😯 why didn't we think of that, Bigfoot is taking the town down lol
A very nice video! But I've got to ask about the food...was it Coaches? I don't know what you ate. 2 thumbs up but what was it and did you both eat.
I may be the only one but I am always interested in where and what you all eat..you often talk about places to eat but rarely show it.
We ate some loaded tater tots and they were amazingly good
@@realappalachia Thank you very much!
Let's Go Brandon!
And: Bring Back President TRUMP TRUMP TRUMP for U.S.A.
The muck dam disaster had nothing to do with the salt works. It was from the waste byproduct from the Mathison aliki plant which made different chemical products. The waste was a white sludge which was dammed up down river from the plant.
Saltvegas!!
At minute 21:44, what was Shane’s dialogue??? I cannot understand what he was saying. It looks like Shane may have been angry or that may be his “Full-Hungry-Man look,” like as to say not to mess with him since he’s about to eat. :) :) :)
now, in my defense, I thought she was taking a pic of the food and had no idea she was videoing me at the time. It was all I could do to hold back from digging in to the tots lol.
@@realappalachia that plate did look good!
were church pews/benches curved or was that the camera?
They were curved a bit
@@realappalachia I can also confirm that. Grew up there in the 1950s, visited the church for Palm Sunday last year (2023).
That mill was built for tourists and you turned around WAY too soon. Muck dam was on your left when you were on river road but you totally missed it.
Wife and I traveled up Big Tumbling creek to the lake two years ago after a long cold spell just to see the frozen water falls.
I bet those frozen falls are amazing. We were talking about going to Big Tumbling but ran out of time this time
Are you two husband and wife or just friends. Please let us know!
Capped and sealed mines are used there for L.P. Storage. I know. I worked there. I also know nothing is open except maybe a gas station, after 9:00pm M-F in Saltville, Virginia. It's a beautiful target for the Taliban to wipe off the face of the earth.
Encore - presentation or a part two please ! :)
Thanks for the info, Thomas. We'll try to get back down that way.
If I ever wanted to live in the slowest moving town I have ever been to, Saltville would be it. Nothing but traffic moves fast in Saltville, Virginia ! Lol!
there’s a huge saltville corruption in your town, you know?
confederate salt. No thanks!
So much slavery
Wars are awful