Picher, Oklahoma, once a bustling mining town, is now a haunting reminder of industrial neglect. Established in 1913, it thrived on lead and zinc production, especially during the world wars. However, environmental degradation and health crises led to its decline, leaving behind a toxic ghost town.
Key Takeaways
- Picher was a vital center for lead and zinc during the world wars.
- The town’s prosperity masked severe environmental issues.
- By the late 20th century, contamination led to health crises.
- The 2008 tornado accelerated the town’s decline, leading to its dissolution in 2009.
The Rise Of Picher
Picher is located in the northeastern tip of Oklahoma, bordering Kansas. The town emerged in 1913 when geologist George Oerman discovered rich deposits of lead and zinc. These metals were crucial for various industries, especially during the world wars, when demand surged.
The Tri-State Mining District, covering approximately 2,500 square miles, became one of the world’s largest producers of these minerals. Lead was essential for producing bullets and shells, while zinc was used to galvanize steel, making it durable for military equipment.
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The Mining Boom
The town was named after Oliver H. Picher, who established the Picher Lead Company. By the mid-1880s, the Picher brothers controlled about 1,200 acres of mineral-rich land. Their influence grew significantly when they acquired the Lone L Mining Company, giving them a competitive edge in the smelting industry.
As mining operations expanded, Picher’s population skyrocketed. By 1926, it reached an astounding 14,215 residents. The city thrived, with infrastructure improvements, schools, and local businesses catering to the growing community.
The Dark Side Of Mining
Despite its prosperity, mining posed significant challenges. Miners worked long hours in dangerous conditions, often alongside children. The cramped mine shafts and the use of heavy tools made the work perilous. Moreover, child labor regulations were not established until 1914, allowing children to work in hazardous environments.
As the decades passed, the lead and zinc reserves began to deplete. By the late 1960s, a combination of market changes, rising operational costs, and environmental regulations made mining unsustainable. The city began to depopulate as miners sought work elsewhere.
Environmental Catastrophe
By the 1970s, the consequences of mining became evident. Studies revealed alarmingly high levels of lead in the soil and groundwater, leading to increased health problems, especially among children. Mining waste accumulated in enormous piles around the city, with an estimated 178 million tons of waste scattered across 30 piles.
