Jim Bordwine, a retired pipefitter and living history reenactor from Poor Valley, Virginia, has been immersed in the world of living history for nearly three decades. His journey began atop a Confederate cavalry horse, traversing the rugged landscapes of Virginia. However, after realizing the perils of aging and mounting horses, Jim redirected his focus towards a pivotal aspect of history: salt.

In his educational endeavors, Jim sheds light on the paramount significance of salt throughout history, particularly in preserving meat—a necessity in an era devoid of modern amenities like refrigeration. He highlights the overlooked reality that not too long ago, our forebears lived without electricity in the mountains, relying on salt to safeguard their sustenance.

Nestled in the picturesque southern Appalachian Mountains lies Saltville, Virginia—a region steeped in history owing to its abundant salt marshes, drawing both prehistoric megafauna and Paleoamericans. As European settlers trickled in, they recognized the value of these salt deposits, propelling Saltville into one of America's premier salt-making centers by the seventeenth century.

During the tumultuous Civil War era, Saltville played a pivotal role, producing a significant portion of the South's salt—a vital commodity for the Confederate army. The town witnessed the horrors of battle, with two bloody conflicts in 1864 leaving an indelible mark on its landscape and history. Jim's family roots in Saltville trace back to the 1770s, with ancestors who fought in these battles, underscoring his personal connection to the town's past.

Jim's dedication to preserving Saltville's legacy extends beyond mere education; he is a custodian of its traditions, actively involved in salt-making using age-old methods passed down through generations. His commitment to ensuring that the craft endures is evident in his efforts to apprentice his son, Baron Bordwine, thereby ensuring the transmission of ancestral knowledge to future generations.

Beyond his role as a living history educator, Jim is also a storyteller, weaving tales of the region's haunting past. In his book, "Hauntin' Tales of Jim Bordwine, Mountain Man," he delves into the darker aspects of Saltville's history—its tragedies, battles, and the haunting aftermaths that linger to this day. Through his narratives, Jim preserves not only the tangible history of Saltville but also the intangible, eerie echoes of its past.

As a staunch advocate for local heritage, Jim believes in the importance of teaching future generations about their roots, advocating for the inclusion of local history and culture in school curricula. He takes pride in the uniqueness of Appalachian culture, rooted in the traditions and dialects passed down through centuries—a testament to the resilience and independence of its people.

In his unwavering commitment to preserving Saltville's legacy, Jim Bordwine embodies the spirit of the Appalachian mountains—a guardian of its history, traditions, and stories, ensuring that they endure for generations to come.

Come See Jim Bordwine at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival. He is one of the favorite judges for the Bigfoot Calling Contest, which will be happening at 10:45 a.m. Then, you can find him on the Speaker’s Stage at 11 a.m., sharing some of his life experiences.
Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival
May 4th, 2024 | Townsend, TN

You can also watch Jim Bordwine here:

A Dead Still

Life in the Carolinas

The History Channel’s Mountain Men

Jim Bordwine-Forest County’s Bigfoot Festival