Nebraska's Antioch Potash Ruins

Prior to World War I, the United States was importing nearly a million tons of potash annually from Germany for use as fertilizer. But with the outbreak of war, the supply was cut off and potash prices skyrocketed. Several Nebraska companies were chartered to extract potash from domestic alkali lakes in the Sand Hills. The ruins of the Antioch potash plants survive as reminders of this short-lived boom industry.

By 1918, five companies were in operation to extract potash by evaporating lake water and collecting the potash-rich residue. Major plant components included tower evaporators powered by the sun or wind, concrete reservoirs, large steel steam evaporators, dryers, crushers, warehouses, railroad trestles, and a variety of shops and houses to provide for the needs of employees. By early 1920, Germany was once more selling potash to the United States for about one-half the cost of the domestic product. By the end of the year all Nebraska potash plants were closed and they never reopened.

How to Get There -- Travel about 20 miles east of Alliance, Nebraska, on State Highway 2 in the Panhandle.

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