How Salt Built Manchester

Goose Creek Salt Works — How Salt Built Manchester

Long before highways, salt powered Manchester’s rise. The works at Goose Creek—known in the 1790s as the Langford Works—drew settlers, roads, and trade to what became Clay County’s seat. In October 1862, Union troops destroyed the works to deny the Confederacy a vital supply, a reminder of how strategic this site once was.

Interpretive panels and historic log cabins at Goose Creek Salt Works & Pioneer Village — Interpretive shelter with cabins at the Pioneer Village. Photo: City of Manchester, KY.

Goose Creek Swinging Bridge wooden deck with cable supports — Goose Creek Swinging Bridge connects the Riverside Trail to downtown. Photo: City of Manchester, KY.

Redbird Petroglyph sheltered at Rawlings & Stinson Park — Nearby Red Bird Petroglyph at Rawlings & Stinson Park—part of the same heritage corridor. Photo: City of Manchester, KY.

“The first settlement in Clay County was at the site of the Langford Salt Works.”
—Clay County Genealogical & Historical Society

Today the grounds are preserved as the Goose Creek Salt Works & Pioneer Village. Start at the interpretive shelter, then stroll the Riverside Trail toward Rawlings/Stinson Park—or cross the historic swinging bridge into downtown to continue your heritage walk.