We are a 7th Generation salt making family business. William Dickinson began producing salt in the Kanawha Valley of Virginia in 1817. The region grew to be the largest salt making area of the country. The ancient Iapetus Ocean lies deep below the Appalachian Mountains. This brine was coming to the surface in springs. Large animals congregated near the springs, followed by Native Americans, and then European settlers. The brine was boiled down, using timber, then coal, to produce the salt crystals. Most of the salt traveled down the Kanawha River, to the Ohio River and on to “Porkopolis” or Cincinnati.
Today siblings, Nancy Bruns and Lewis Payne, have revived the industry, but use only the power of the sun to evaporate the brine. The salt is sold to restaurants, retailers and consumers around the world.
The facility is open for tours and shopping. The shop contains a carefully curated collection of Appalachian products.
Distance Unit:
West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, MacCorkle Avenue Southeast, Charleston, WV, USA
Distance: 2.39 Away
West Virginia State Museum, Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV, USA
Distance: 4.34 Away
Museums and Interpretive Centers
View Listing
Clay Center, Clay Square, Charleston, WV, USA
Distance: 5.44 Away
Museums and Interpretive Centers
View Listing
Capitol Market, Smith Street, Charleston, WV, USA
Distance: 5.56 Away
Festivals and Events Food and Drinks
View Listing
35050 Huntington Rd, Glenwood, WV 25520, USA
Distance: 39.70 Away
Chief Cornstalk Wildlife Management Area, Southside, WV, USA
Distance: 39.71 Away
5601 Long Branch Rd, Barboursville, WV 25504, USA
Distance: 42.59 Away
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes RV and Camping Fun and Sports
View Listing
Kanawha River Campground, Charleston Road, Point Pleasant, WV, USA
Distance: 42.92 Away
Robert C Byrd Locks & Dam, RR 1, Gallipolis Ferry, WV, USA
Distance: 43.36 Away
Outdoor Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers
View Listing
Shady Waters Campground, Lagoon Ln, Gallipolis Ferry, WV, USA
Distance: 45.23 Away
Beech Fork Lake Marina, County Highway 13/8, Lavalette, WV, USA
Distance: 46.19 Away
Outdoor Experiences Fun and Sports
View Listing
Letart Nature Park, Sandhill Road, Letart, WV, USA
Distance: 46.38 Away
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
View Listing