Boone's Lick State Historic Site

An iron kettle and remnants of salt works are still here for visitors to see at Boone’s Lick State Historic Site, a 52-acre spread in Howard County, Missouri, where deer, elk and bison once gathered to lick the salt in the ground. The salt manufacturing industry was crucial to life on the frontier. Brine water was boiled in iron kettles on a stone surface. As the water evaporated, salt crystallized at the bottom of the kettle. The salt was then shipped by keelboat on the Missouri River to St. Louis, where it was used to preserve meat and tan hides. Boone’s Lick was the largest of the many saltwater springs spotted by Lewis and Clark in 1804 as they traveled through the areas now known as Howard, Cooper and Saline counties. Salt was made here until about 1833. The spot features picnic areas and a short trail, along with exhibits about the saltwater trade.