Picher, Oklahoma.

(photo by Jason Lewis)

Picher started out as a lead and zinc mining field in the early 1900’s. It was the most productive mine in the area. More than the half of lead used in World War I came from the Picher mine. As a result of this heavy mining activity Picher was left with huge environmental problems after mining ceased in 1967. Elevated lead levels in children’s bodies have caused learning disabilities and other problems. Lead and zinc also seeped into the groundwater, ponds and lakes.

In 2006 it was decided to close the town of Picher and a procedure to remove and relocate all its residents had been started. The town is considered to be too toxic to be habitable. In 2008 a tornado hit Picher. Twenty blocks were destroyed. The government did not give aid to rebuilt the damaged houses and businesses, though they continued assisting people in their relocation. The city ceased operations as a municipality on September 1, 2009.

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