Conquistadors at Saltville: A New Historical Perspective
Author: Dr. Jim Glanville
Published: 2014 | Archive Download For Free Below
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The Routes of the Soto and Pardo Entradas
In the 1500s, Spain dispatched expeditions called “entradas” to explore the interior of the American Southeast. Two such expeditions are of special relevance to Saltville: the Hernando de Soto expedition (1539–1543), and the Juan Pardo expedition (1566–1568).
Figure 1: Spanish territorial claims and expedition routes around 1567.
Arrival in Saltville
The evidence suggests that Spaniards arrived in Saltville—then known as Maniatique—in 1567. Their journey extended from Cuba (1514), to St. Augustine (1565), to Santa Elena (1566), and ultimately northward to Saltville.
Key Evidence Cited
- Analysis of the expedition records and translations of Pardo’s route
- Archaeological relevance of Saltville’s saline springs
- Figure correlations with known Spanish settlements and fortifications
Conclusion
Dr. Glanville’s study proposes a significant reevaluation of Southwest Virginia’s early contact period. It contributes to a richer understanding of the region’s role in pre-colonial exploration and positions Saltville as a major historical site worthy of continued study and preservation.
Thank you for honoring what was nearly lost. Your awareness matters more than you know.
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