Some of the first resources that were discovered in West Virginia, especially around the Charleston area, were salt, natural gas and coal. The abundance of natural resources and fuels were largely discovered by mistake, in a sort off chain of events. The story began quite innocently during the early part of the nineteenth century, along the Kanawha River. The discovery of salt along the banks led to the drilling of a salt well in the area, just to see what would happen. This was 1806 and the well was a huge success, leading to massive growth for the whole area. By the year 1808, more than one and a quarter tons of salt were produced every day in an area that was very closely bordering Charleston.
The industry grew over the next few years and because of the jobs created, the town of Charleston prospered and grew too. Then, in 1815, right at the start of the European Industrial Revolution, James Wilson, a Captain was drilling for salt when he struck upon a natural gas well in the ground. A mere two years later in 1817 the discovery of coal made the area so prosperous that it grew beyond measure to become one of the largest populous town in the state.
Decline and Fall of the Salt Empire
They say that every dog has its day and salt, sadly, was among the casualties eventually. The industry had been doing just fine until about 1861. The discovery of the coal mines had led to the fuel for the salt drilling being largely produced from coal and the natural gas was being channeled. However, in 1861 the salt industry seemed to fall out of favor until World War I. The Great War brought a different type of demand that required the use of salt, but also some of the local by-products-namely chlorine and sodium hydroxide.
All of a sudden salt was in favor again and it helped the local industry once again, to harvest some of the chemicals used for weaponry during the Great War. After that, however, again the decline fell upon Charleston and it had to be a little more resourceful in its industrial endeavors. Nowadays, there are an abundance of modern businesses, banks, services and stores available for everyone, from flower delivery in Charleston, WV, to auto mechanics and baristas.
