From More History, Mystery, and Hauntings of Southern Illinois by Bruce Cline.
Salt has a long history of being used for magical and protective purposes. Ancient Indians and early settlers believed that salt could offer protection from evil spirits, ghosts and witches. Throwing salt across doorways and windows is thought to prevent anything evil from entering a house or other building. Some ghost hunters use salt during their investigations to create a “safe haven” or “circle of protection” while conducting late night vigils in search of the paranormal. It is best to use a raw, natural salt for protection from evil spirits. If you live in southeastern Illinois you are very near to an ancient source of natural salt that actually comes from a haunted location. This place is the Gallatin Salines located right in the middle of the boundary between Saline and Gallatin County.
The hauntings at the Gallatin Salines stem from hundreds of years of use. Battles and feuds have been fought of the possession and use of the salt. Many murders occurred there along with beatings, floggings and even mutilation of the slaves that worked at the site. Many times the brine would flow red with the spilled blood of innocent and not so innocent victims.
Salt springs were known to the Shawnee Indians that lived in southern Illinois. The first recorded use of the salt springs by white men was in 1778 when a group of men from Kentucky used the springs to produce salt. In 1803 the salt springs were leased to Captain Bell of Kentucky for the production of much needed salt. Slaves and indentured servants from Kentucky were brought in to work the salt mines. While slavery was illegal in Illinois Territory, an act of Congress and the Territorial Legislature allowed the use of slave labor at the Gallatin Salines. In 1829, John Crenshaw gained possession of the salt mines and continued to use slave labor for salt production for many years.
The best source for this magical salt is the Old Spring which is located just south of the Saline River in Gallatin County. To find the Old Spring, go about 1 1/2 miles south of the intersection of Illinois Highway 1 and 13 then turn onto Salt Well Road. Just a short way down Salt Well Road look to the right and inside the wood line you will see a ten foot square, log lined well. This is the source of the brine to make salt.
Once you locate the salt spring, you will immediately notice the evil smell of sulfur. Mosquitoes will swarm you by the thousands to draw your blood. The spirits of tortured and murdered spirits will seem to fill the air. Be brave and venture to the edge of the brine pit and fill containers with the salt filled water. Take the brine and either boil or evaporate it in an iron kettle. Four gallons of the brine water will yield about one pound of raw, unprocessed salt. You can now use this magical salt to keep ghost, witches and evil spirits away while you ghost hunt.
Copyright 2013 Black Oak Media, Inc. You do not have permission to copy this post.
