Salt Production

From "Lexington" by Mary Wilson and Sharon Y. Asher, published sometime after 1975.

THE SALT WELL AND MINE

At the site of a salt lick for animals a salt well was drilled during the early 18th century. The well, located on the New London Road, east of Lexington on the banks of Town Creek--a branch of Stucker Creek, was drilled to a depth of 420 feet in 1815 by General William MacFarland, using a horse-driven invention of his own. In order to obtain a larger supply of brine, General MacFarland later extended the depth to 520 feet.

The brine, which was very strong, was boiled down in hugh iron kettles with crystals averaging 3 to 4 bushels per 100 gallons of brine. The salt was sold at $2.00 per bushel throughout the southeastern part of the State for several years.

The evidence of this pioneer industry is still visible on the creek. A strong salt vein still runs today through this area of the State preventing many land owners from using wells for drinking water.

South on the B & 0 Railroad, approximately one mile from Lexington, a salt quarry existed which mined salt for several years. The site has grown over to such an extent today it is difficult to locate the actual area.

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