Salt Production in the Florida Panhandle

From the Feb. 27, 2011, Panama City (Fl) News Herald

Other than at Pensacola, there was no major actions around Panama City/St. Andrew along Florida's panhandle other than blockade-running and salt production.

Before the war, salt was imported primarily from the North and Europe. Back then, it was more than a seasoning. It was a method of preservation. A Confederate soldier received a ration of 1.5 pounds of salt a month.

With outside sources cut off, Southerners began boiling seawater to procure the salt.

By the end of 1861, salt was the biggest industry in the St. Andrew area. Salt prices were always rising. In the very first months of the war, salt rose to $1 a pound. A salt maker could make $180 a day.

In St. Andrew's alone, there were 5,000 involved in salt-making during the course of the war. Union attacks from the East Gulf Blockading Squadron destroyed some $6 million in equipment and salt.

No Salt for My Steak? --Old B-R'er