Salt Island (Connecticut) facts for kids

Salt Island is a small island located off the coast of Westbrook, Connecticut in the United States. It's part of Middlesex County, Connecticut. The island is very easy to reach from the public beaches in Westbrook. It's only about 500 feet (150 meters) away from the mainland. Because it's so close, people used to bring carts and horses to the island during low tide to collect materials.

Salt Island's History

Salt Island has an interesting past. In 1871, a company called the Salt Island Oil Company started operating there. It was founded by Theodore D. Post, his brother Gilbert A. Post, and three neighbors. Their main goal was to make oil from fish and also create a fertilizer called Fish Guano.

Making Fish Oil and Fertilizer

Most of the company's work happened right on Salt Island. They built several small buildings, a dock, and special equipment. This included heating facilities and a press. The process involved catching many fish in large nets. Then, they heated the fish in big iron vats. After heating, they pressed the fish to squeeze out the oil. This fish oil was stored in wooden barrels and shipped, mostly to New York City.

The leftover parts of the fish, like scraps, bones, and heads, were sold as Fish Guano. This was a type of fertilizer. Farmers in Westbrook used this product, which helped their soil become very rich. This led to excellent crops.

Life on the Island

Theodore Post's son, Edwin Albert Post, spent a lot of his childhood around Salt Island. He worked and played there during the 15 years the company was running. Edwin's mother passed away when he was ten. So, he had to take care of his home and his younger sister. He also did the cooking and farm chores. His father was busy catching fish and making oil and guano.

Since there were no telephones back then, they came up with a clever way to communicate. They used a system of signals from a window in their house. These signals could be seen from Salt Island. If something was needed on the island or at home, a message could be sent. Theodore could also drive a horse or oxen with supplies to the island during low tide. Sometimes, he would bring seaweed home. He used it to insulate the house in winter or to add to the fertilizer for spring planting.

Why the Company Closed

The Salt Island Oil Company did well until 1886. Around that time, wealthy families started building summer homes along Westbrook's beautiful shores. These new residents did not like the strong smell coming from the fish oil and guano factory. They complained about the odor. Eventually, these summer residents succeeded in getting the company shut down by law.

Nature and Wildlife on Salt Island

Today, Salt Island is a home for many different animals. It is watched over by the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge helps protect the island's natural environment. Some parts of the island are not open to visitors. This is because they are important habitats for wild seabirds.

Animals You Might Find

The animals that live on Salt Island are native to the area. They include:

• Channeled whelks (a type of sea snail)
• Atlantic horseshoe crabs
• Common periwinkles (another type of sea snail)
• North American spider crabs
• Giant hermit crabs
• Terns (a type of seabird)
• Oystercatchers (a type of shorebird)

Unique Rock Formations

Salt Island is also famous for its unusual rock formations. These rocks have been shaped over hundreds of years. The constant splashing of waves and the changing tides have carved them. The rocks are not very tall and look a bit like ocean waves. You can touch them, but you need to be careful. Their intricate edges, formed over centuries, can be quite sharp.