Black powder and sulfur pioneers?

Question

Blackpower is composed of Saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. Where and how did the american pioneers find sulfur? There are not to many volcanoes in the midwest!? I understand they could have made their own charcoal from wood, but where in the heck would have they gotten saltpeter and sulfur from?

Answer 1

Sulfur can be found in various mineral springs and collected by letting the water evaporate. Sulfur can also be mined. Saltpeter (Potassium Nitrate) leaches out of manure piles and can be collected in large chunks. It is also available from both bird and bat guano.