Page:A Topographical Description of the State of Ohio, Indiana Territory, and Louisiana.djvu/39

32 so that the water near the chimney is in a constant state of crystallization. Tallow and Indian meal are used to promote the crystalization. It requires about 600 gallons of water at these works for one bushel of salt. There are no settlers near the salt-works, excepting those concerned in making salt.

Chilicothe, an Indian name, signifying town, is situated on the west bank of the Scioto, where the State road crosses the river. In the year 1796, Col. Nathaniel Massie, with eight or ten men, who accompanied him from Kentucky, explored the wilderness to this spot. They planted and raised Indian corn, on a rich prairie, about two miles below the town. In autumn they formed the plan and laid out the town in lots. The next spring they brought out their families and commenced the settlement. From this small beginning has risen up, in about thirteen years, one of the most beautiful towns in the western country.

The following description of the Scioto and Chilicothe is from a gentleman who made a tour into the western country, from Philadelphia, in the year 1807, and is taken from the Ohio Navigator.

"Chilicothe is most beautifully situated on the banks of the Scioto about 45 miles by land, and nearly seventy following the meanders of the river from its confluence with the Ohio, which it joins between Portsmouth and Alexandria. In all that distance the river has a gentle current