Explore Equality through two closely connected themes: the history of the town’s mineral-based industries and natural destinations nearby. A mural at 276 Art Exchange highlights the industrial history; a marker commemorates salt production. There are destinations in different directions and at varying distances to choose from for outings. You can set the focus of your visit between local history and recreation in the surrounding area.
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 local mineral-based industries that shaped Equality. The artwork combines visual art with a topic important to the town’s history. 276 Art Exchange also sells visual art and historic folk art by local artists. This address is therefore home to both the mural and local artistic works.
The building’s history adds another cultural connection: it originally housed the Shawnee Telephone Company, now known as Shawnee Communications. Its former use and its current sale of art and folk art are different chapters in the story of the same building. For a visit focused on art and local history, Equality offers more than a single historical connection: the mural explores the development of the industries, while the building’s history and works by local artists add further perspectives.
Salt History Nearby
Equality was closely connected to the salt industry on the frontier. The “Old Salt Works” marker is one mile west of Equality. One mile south of the marker was one of the oldest salt works west of the Alleghenies.
Together with the mural, these sites provide a clear focus for exploring local history: the mural illustrates the development of mineral-based industries, while the marker and historic salt works deepen the connection to salt production. These topics are related but emphasize different aspects—one the development of the industries, the other the historical significance of the salt works.
Natural Destinations by Location
The Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area is five miles southeast of Equality and is primarily a recreation area. Garden of the Gods is ten miles south of Equality in Shawnee National Forest, at Forest Road in Hardin, Illinois 62074. The Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area is closer to Equality; Garden of the Gods lies farther south in Shawnee National Forest.
The destinations also differ in character: the Saline County State Fish & Wildlife Area is primarily a recreation area, while Garden of the Gods is a specific destination in Shawnee National Forest. Equality also borders Shawnee National Forest.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
The Shawnee tour follows Route 13 east and then Route 142 south to Equality. This sequence provides a specific point of reference for navigating the tour. Since road conditions can change, check them before traveling.
The Ohio River Scenic Byway Visitor Center is located in town at 120 West Lane Street. 276 Art Exchange is at 142 West Lane Street. Both addresses provide specific landmarks in Equality: one identifies the Visitor Center, the other the location of the mural and the sale of local art and historic folk art. Along with nearby destinations in different directions, these addresses and distances provide a clear framework for understanding Equality and its surroundings as you plan your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Gallatin.
