Picher, Oklahoma

Picherconnell

Picher, Oklahoma is a ghost town and former city in Ottawa County, Oklahoma, United States. It was once a major national center of lead and zinc mining. The town is part of the Tri-State district, which includes parts of Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

History

Picher was established in 1913 as a result of the discovery of large deposits of lead and zinc. The town was named after O.S. Picher, owner of the Picher Lead Company. During World War I, Picher's mines produced over half of the lead and zinc used by the U.S. military, making it a crucial resource for the war effort.

Environmental Issues

The extensive mining activities led to severe environmental contamination. The area became one of the most toxic places in the United States due to the large amounts of chat piles, which are waste materials from mining. These piles contained high levels of lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals, posing significant health risks to the residents.

In 1983, Picher was declared part of the Tar Creek Superfund site by the EPA. Efforts to clean up the area were initiated, but the extent of the contamination made it a challenging task.

Decline and Evacuation

In the early 2000s, studies revealed that the ground beneath Picher was at risk of collapsing due to the extensive underground mining. In 2006, a tornado struck Picher, causing further damage and leading to the decision to evacuate the town. By 2009, most residents had relocated, and the town was officially disincorporated in 2013.

Current Status

Today, Picher is a ghost town with only a few remaining structures. The area remains heavily contaminated, and access is restricted due to safety concerns. The town serves as a stark reminder of the environmental and human costs of extensive mining activities.

See Also

• Tar Creek Superfund site
• Ghost town
• Lead poisoning
• Environmental Protection Agency