The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A "Rebel" Retirement Home for Union Soldiers-- Part 2

So, I guess this could be considered the second Yankee invasion, if you count the first as the war itself.

A THING OR TWO ABOUT SALT

Before the war, salt was imported to the South from the North or Europe.  It was more than just a seasoning, but also important for preservation in those pre-refrigerator days.  During the war, Confederate soldiers typically received a 1.5 pounds of salt monthly ration.

However, with the war and blockade, supplies were cut off.   The price of salt soared and by the end of 1861, salt-making was the biggest industry in St. Andrews (by present-day Panama City).  Salt prices went up to a dollar a pound in the first months of the war and continued to rise.  A salt maker could earn $180 a day getting salt from seawater through an evaporation process.

During the course of the war, it is estimated that some 5,000 in the St. Andrews area were involved in the slat industry in one fashion or another.

Of course, this drew the attention of Union vessels patrolling off shore.  Every so often they would lead raids onto the shore.

Must Be That Lost Chigger of Salt Jimmy Sings About.  --Old Secesh

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