Take A History Break :: Salt

Salt = NACL2 is a poison as it stands but a need by the human body. Not enough and the body is in trouble, too much the body may face issues again. Through history salt has been very present as well. The Bible shares that Jesus in his own words "Ye are the salt of the earth" Roman soldiers would be paid in both money an in salt. Today, farmers buy blocks of salt to offer to the animals, wild animals will visit salt licks regularly as well. In Illinois salt has a rich history as well

Prior to 1735 the salt springs in southern Illinois were controlled by the Indians. This changed when the French took control. The Saline River travels through Equality in Gallatin County Illinois. (about 20 minutes from my home) As we know in history the French would lose control during the French and Indian War which took place between 1756 and 1763.

The early 1800s would witness a salt war between two great Indian tribes. The Shawnees and the Kaskaskians battled not only over hunting grounds but control of the salt works as well. The Kaskasians would lose the battle. Following the battle a treaty between the Indian tribes and the United States agreed upon a treaty. In the treaty agreement  the United States would offer 150 bushels of "white gold" aka salt from the Saline Salt Springs to the chiefs and the Native Americans would abandon Southern Illinois.

The story of how the Saline Salt Works would continue on and you can find in many books including one titled Sex, Slaves and Mr. Henshaw. Salt production would continue until 1870 when competition from West Virginia salt mines drove the springs out of business.