Double Mountain Salt Works (on Brazos River)
Jayton, Kent County, Texas
Marker Inscription
On Indian-infested frontier 125 miles beyond Fort Belknap and outer settlements. Northernmost business in Confederate Texas. Established at great risk, to obtain salt, scarce during Civil War and vitally needed to cure meat, season food, cure hides for leather, feed work horses, army draft mules and cavalry horses. Texas Legislature appropriated funds for the explorations on the Brazos by a civil engineer. Double Mountain spring water proved to be 98% salt, a nearby lake 45%. Reduction of brine was under control of Texas Military Board. Troops guarded the work. (1965)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Deep on the Comanche frontier, more than a hundred miles beyond the outer forts, this Brazos River salt works was the northernmost business in Confederate Texas. Salt had become desperately scarce during the Civil War, yet it was essential for curing meat and hides and keeping army animals fed, so the state funded exploration that found spring water nearly pure salt. The reduction of the brine was overseen by the Texas Military Board, with troops standing guard over the dangerous, isolated work.
Why it matters
It shows how a blockaded South scrambled for everyday necessities, turning a remote frontier spring into a strategic wartime industry.
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Related events
- · American Civil War
Themes & tags
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