From More History, Mystery, and Hauntings of Southern Illinois by Bruce Cline.

Salt has a long history of being used for magical and protective purposes. Ancient Indians and early settlers believed that salt could offer protection from evil spirits, ghosts and witches. Throwing salt across doorways and windows is thought to prevent anything evil from entering a house or other building. Some ghost hunters use salt during their investigations to create a “safe haven” or “circle of protection” while conducting late night vigils in search of the paranormal. It is best to use a raw, natural salt for protection from evil spirits. If you live in southeastern Illinois you are very near to an ancient source of natural salt that actually comes from a haunted location. This place is the Gallatin Salines located right in the middle of the boundary between Saline and Gallatin County.

The hauntings at the Gallatin Salines stem from hundreds of years of use. Battles and feuds have been fought of the possession and use of the salt. Many murders occurred there along with beatings, floggings and even mutilation of the slaves that worked at the site. Many times the brine would flow red with the spilled blood of innocent and not so innocent victims.

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