Muskogee in Muskogee County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Mackey's Salt Kettle
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2024
1. Mackey's Salt Kettle Marker
This salt kettle was one of more than 100 forming part of the equipment of Mackey's Salt Works on the Illinois River, Indian territory, an important station on the military road to Ft Smith, Arkansas. For many years before the Civil War salt was made there for the Indian population and until 1864 the federal troops used the plant to supply salt to the army and refugees. In that year on the eve of capture by the Confederates, the federal soldiers burned the establishment and destroyed the kettles. After the war impoverished Cherokees patched and again used the kettles for a few years.
Presented by Hon. Grant Foreman, Litt. D.
Erected by by Hon. Grant Foreman, Litt. D.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 35° 46.678′ N, 95° 20.132′ W. Marker is in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in Muskogee County. It is on Old Bacone Road, on the right when traveling north. Located on the campus of the Bacone College. Touch for map. Marker is in this post
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Muscogee Nation and specifically in the Cherokee Nation. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. 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 Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Milly Francis (a few steps from this marker); Ataloa Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Richard Memorial Hall (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Isaac McCoy Hall (about 600 feet away); Benjamin Wacoche Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site Given to the American Baptist Home Mission Society (approx. Ό mile away); Founded as Indian University (approx. half a mile away); Fort Davis (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Muskogee.
Also see . . . Muskogee Phoenix news article mentioning this kettle and Mackey.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2024
2. Mackey's Salt Kettle Marker
Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2024
3. This view of the marker shows a portion of the patching of the kettle.
It appears the base was formed partly from an old grist wheel.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 30, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
