Near Oakwood in Vermilion County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Salt Kettle

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Salt Kettle Marker

Inscription. Salt springs were discovered near this spot October 31, 1819, by Joseph Barron and party. Here Seymour Treat brought his family November 27, 1819, and became Vermilion County's first settler. This kettle was used in the salt works which were profitably operated by Major John W. Vance from 1824 to 1831.

Erected 1932 by Governor Bradford Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 31, 1819.

Location. 40° 7.798′ N, 87° 44.654′ W. Marker is near Oakwood, Illinois, in Vermilion County. It is on Interstate 74 2 miles west of U.S. 150, on the right when traveling west. Located in the Salt Kettle Rest Area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oakwood IL 61858, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Vermilion County War Memorial (approx. 4.8 miles away); Potawatomi - A Trail of Death (approx. 4.8 miles away); Abraham Lincoln Forded Stony Creek (approx. 4.9 miles away);

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Abraham Lincoln in Tilton, Illinois (approx. 5.2 miles away); Servicemen From Tilton (approx. 5.3 miles away); Tilton Honor Roll (approx. 5.3 miles away); Trail of Death 1838 (approx. 5½ miles away); Robert E. Wurtsbaugh (approx. 5½ miles away).

Salt Kettle and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Salt Kettle and Marker

Salt Kettle Rest Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Salt Kettle Rest Area

Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 13, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.