History of Salt

More than pepper's steady companion, salt is an essential element in the diet of humans, animals, and plants. The history of salt dates back to 6050 B.C. Human civilization began along the edges of rivers, near natural surface deposits of salt. Animals created paths to salt, and humans followed, seeking game and salt. Trails became roads, and caravans began to transport salt along "salt routes", giving rise to cities.

Salt was used in ancient Egyptian religious offerings and trade between the Phoenicians and their Mediterranean empire. The Chinese produced 40 varieties of salt. Ancient Greeks exchanged salt for slaves, giving rise to the expression, "He is not worth his salt." Roman soldiers were paid in "salt money" from which the word "salary"¯is derived.

Salt played a prominent role in North America. European explorers' learning to preserve fish with salt allowed them to travel farther. This, in turn, hastened their discovery of the New World. Native and Colonial Americans boiled brine in iron kettles to make salt.

Salt supply was of primary concern to the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Northwest and to pioneers traveling west. During the War of 1812, salt became difficult to obtain abroad. During that same time, commercial salt production began in Syracuse, NY. Salt was the principal cargo transported on the Erie Canal, "the ditch that salt built". In 1864, Union forces fought a long battle to capture Saltville, Virginia - a major salt processing site of the Confederacy. The ensuing short supply of salt in the southern states undermined the rebel morale and aided the North in its efforts to win the war.









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