What Is the Lewis & Clark Salt Works?
This is a reconstructed salt kiln like the one the Lewis & Clark Expedition used to boil salt from seawater!
What Makes It Historical?
During their stay at Fort Clatsop in the winter of 1805-1806, the Corps of Discovery needed a way to preserve and flavor their food. Refrigeration wasn’t an issue in the winter, but they had a long journey ahead all spring and summer! To fix this, they needed salt!
Since Fort Clatsop was so close to the Columbia River, which diluted the sea salt, salt specialists, Joseph Fields, William Bratton, and George Gibson, had to go ten miles south. In what is now Seaside, they set up a kiln and boiled five huge kettles of seawater at a time, producing 28 gallons of refined salt in seven weeks! While the original kiln was lost to the ages, later accounts put this as the original site!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Lewis & Clark National Historical Park!
- Become a member of the Lewis & Clark National Park Association!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
53 Lewis and Clark Way
Seaside, OR 97138
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!
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