Last updated: February 3, 2021
Place
Salt Cairn Replica
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Seaside, OR
Amenities
2 listed
Accessible Sites, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Built at what's reportedly the exact spot as the original camp site, this replica salt cairn shows what the Corps of Discoveries Saltmakers would have used as they boiled ocean water for much needed salt. Five men traveled to this beach site, built the camp and set five kettles to boiling, 24 hours a day, to produce salt. According to their records, they set out from Fort Clatsop on Dec. 28, 1805, and left the camp Feb. 20, 1806, with 3 ½ bushels or about 28 gallons of "Excellent, fine, strong & white" salt.
Salt was used not only as an important preservative for meat that would begin to spoil within hours of killing it in the Pacific Northwest's winter weather, but also used in the tanning process to help create buckskin clothing for the expedition members.
Far from the water's edge, this replica stands as a show of how far the beach has extended westward, and shows the growth of the city that surrounds it.
You can find more information about the Salt Works on the official Salt Works page.
Salt was used not only as an important preservative for meat that would begin to spoil within hours of killing it in the Pacific Northwest's winter weather, but also used in the tanning process to help create buckskin clothing for the expedition members.
Far from the water's edge, this replica stands as a show of how far the beach has extended westward, and shows the growth of the city that surrounds it.
You can find more information about the Salt Works on the official Salt Works page.