Mercers Saltworks, West Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mercers Saltworks, West Virginia
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Former settlement
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 Mercers Saltworks, West Virginia
Location in West Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Summers |
| Elevation | 1,467 ft (447 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1556937 |
Mercers Saltworks was once a small community in Summers County, West Virginia, United States. It was located right by the New River, a famous waterway. This place is no longer an active settlement today.
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What Was Mercers Saltworks?
Mercers Saltworks was a "former settlement." This means it was once a place where people lived and worked. Over time, for different reasons, people moved away. The community eventually disappeared.
The Importance of Saltworks
A "saltworks" was a place where salt was made. In the past, salt was very important. It was used to preserve food, especially meat and fish. Before refrigerators, salt helped keep food from spoiling.
Salt was also used in many industries. It was needed for making leather and certain chemicals. Because of this, places with salt deposits were valuable.
How Salt Was Made
At a saltworks, people would get salt from salty water. This water often came from underground springs. They would boil the water in large kettles. As the water evaporated, salt crystals were left behind. This process was hard work but very important.
Where Was Mercers Saltworks Located?
Mercers Saltworks was situated along the New River. This river flows through West Virginia. The exact spot was east of a place called Lick Creek.
The New River was a key transportation route. It helped people and goods move around. Being near the river was good for a saltworks. It made it easier to transport the salt they produced.
When Did Mercers Saltworks Exist?
Mercers Saltworks appeared on maps for many years. It was still shown on maps as late as 1932. This tells us that the settlement was active for some time. However, after 1932, it likely faded away. Many small settlements in the region became "ghost towns" as industries changed. People moved to bigger towns for new jobs.
