November 10, 1817: Kanawha Salt Producers Form Output Pool

On November 10, 1817, Kanawha County salt operators entered into a unique business arrangement that would set the stage for major industries in the late 1800s. Salt was an essential product in early American history. In the early 1800s, Kanawha County became the salt-producing capital of the nation. Business boomed during the War of 1812, when British salt supplies were cut off.