The Pumphouse and the Salt Industry of Anguilla:
Anguilla's main source of salt has been the Road Salt Pond. With a total area of 130 acres the pond is capable of producing an average of 37,000-40,000 barrels (300 lbs each) yearly. In dry times West End Pond and Long Pond have produced salt but not in significant amounts.
The Road Salt Pond is normally below sea level so that sea water percolates through the sandbar on which Sandy Ground Village stands. This sea water would evaporate and form salt crystals.
Some archeologists believe that prior to the arrival of the English settlers in 1650 Arawaks took salt away from Anguilla but these reports are unconfirmed. After Anguilla was settled the English recognized salt as a valuable commodity and the Road Salt Pond was 'held' in common.