Equality: Art, Salt History and Nature

Equality in southeastern Illinois combines a clear connection to salt history with local art and nearby nature destinations. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between places in Equality and destinations outside the town: the mural and 276 Art Exchange are on West Lane Street; nature destinations lie to the south or southeast. This can help you decide whether local history, art or nature will be the focus of your stay.

Art and Industrial History in Equality

A mural is located on the side of the 276 Art Exchange building at 142 West Lane Street. It illustrates the development of the mineral-based local industries that shaped Equality. The 276 Art Exchange also sells fine art and historic crafts by local artists. Two different connections to art come together here: the mural explores the town’s development, while the sales offerings include local art and historic crafts.

The 276 Art Exchange building originally housed the Shawnee Telephone Company, now known as Shawnee Communications. The building’s former use adds another historical connection to this art venue, distinct from the mural’s industrial theme.

Traces of Salt History

Equality was closely tied to the frontier salt industry. The “Old Salt Works” marker is one mile west of Equality. One of the oldest saltworks west of the Alleghenies was another mile south of the marker. The marker and the historic saltworks are therefore two distinct points of reference: the marker is west of Equality, while the saltworks was located to its south. This distinction in location helps set apart the town’s historic connection to the salt industry from the location of the saltworks at the time.

Nature Destinations Nearby

Equality borders the Shawnee National Forest. Within the national forest, Garden of the Gods is ten miles south of Equality, at Forest Road in Hardin, IL 62074. Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area is five miles to the southeast and is primarily a recreation area. The surroundings thus offer two different kinds of nature destinations: a site in the Shawnee National Forest and an area primarily intended for recreation. The directions and distances provide a concrete guide when adding these destinations to your travel plans.

Getting Around

The Shawnee Tour follows Route 13 east and then Route 142 south to Equality. Check current road conditions when planning your drive. The Ohio River Scenic Byway Visitor Center is located in town at 120 West Lane Street. The 276 Art Exchange is at 142 West Lane Street. The two addresses provide landmarks on the same street and distinguish the Visitor Center from the art venue.

For the broader travel overview: Gallatin.