SALT LISTS
During the War between the States the Southern ports were
blockaded, thus preventing the importation of salt from Europe. Salt was necessary
to preserve meat both for the families and the Confederate Army. Salt was also used in the process of setting
dyes and also for the tanning of leather for shoes.
Governor Joseph Brown offered a $5000.00 reward for the discovery
of salt springs that would produce 300 bushels daily. The other alternative was to mine for rock
salt.
Governor Brown instructed the Justices of the Inferior Court
of each county to create lists of those eligible for distributution of this
valuable commodity. The Justices were
required to pay in advance for the salt.
Distribution was in one-half bushel portions and were distributed
as follows;
Widows of Soldiers-Free
Families of Soldiers actively serving and the Widowed Mothers
of such Soldiers-$1.00
Heads of families-$4.50
Lists are arranged alphabetically by county, then by category
of need. The lists contain the names
of the women (or eligible disabled and discharged soldiers) and the county
of residence.
Salt Lists are available on microfilm at the Georgia State
Archives.
Compiled 2004 by Jacqueline King