John Peter Salling | |
|---|---|
| Born | Johan Peter Saling |
| Died | 1755 |
| Years active | 1740-1755 |
| Known for | Exploration of parts of Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky, discovery of coal in West Virginia |
| Spouse | Anna Marie Sallin |
| Parent(s) | Niclaus Sallin and Salome Johanna |
| Relatives | Children: Catherine, Mary Elizabeth, George Adam, John Brother: Adam |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Colony of Virginia |
| Years of service | 1742-1755 |
| Rank | Captain of Foot |
| Unit |  Virginia militia, Augusta County militia |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Galudoghson (1742) |
John Peter Salling, (died 1755) born Johan Peter Saling and sometimes referred to as John Peter Salley, Sayling, Sallings, and Sallee, was a German explorer known for being among the first Europeans to visit parts of what is now Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. He was imprisoned by the French in New Orleans on charges of spying and escaped together with another prisoner, taking eight months to finally reach his home in Virginia. His detailed journal describing his journeys of exploration was lost twice, and each time Salling was able to reconstruct it from memory. Salling's journal was used as a source in the creation of early maps of Virginia and eastern North America.