FEBRUARY 1ST-4TH, 1865: A boat expedition from the USS Michigan landed and destroyed salt works "of 13,615 boiling capacity" at St. Andrews Bay, Florida (Panama City).
The making of salt from sea water became a major industry in Florida during the Civil War as salt was a critical commodity in the Confederate war effort. Large quantities were needed for preserving meat, fish, butter and other perishable foods, as well as curing hides.
Federal warships continuously destroyed salt works along the coasts of Florida. This expedition was the finale in the Union navy's effective restriction of this vital Confederate industry.
--Old B-Runner
No comments:
Post a Comment