Kanawha County, WV (WOAY) – In the mid 1800’s, the Kanawha Valley was the largest salt-producing region in the United States.
In fact, the salt industry actually predates the coal and timber industries. It was the salt industry’s need for fuel to boil down the brine, which led to the realization of the coal resource available in the area.
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works in Malden, just southeast of Charleston, is a seventh-generation family of salt makers. Dickinson first drilled for brine in the Kanawha Valley in 1817.
Saturday, May 9, is their 8th annual salt fest. The salt fest runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Maybe you are wondering why the Kanawha Valley is such a valuable salt resource.
Well, there is an ancient ocean trapped under the mountains of Appalachia, and the Kanawha Valley provides easy access to its briny depths.
J.Q. Dickinson has a well that pumps the ancient brine, where it is evaporated and harvested by hand.
In 1851, at the world’s fair in London, it was known as the “Great Kanawha salt” and was awarded the “Best salt in the World.”
You’ll be able to see the wide variety of salts they create as well as purchase.
They are located at 4797 Midland Drive in Malden.
