Missouri may be known for the beautiful caves that hide beneath the surface but Missouri was also once known for the large amount of lead ore found beneath the ground. Mining, especially lead mining, was a huge industry in Missouri nearly a century ago.
Many of the largest lead mines have now been abandoned by mining companies leaving small towns fearful of the environmental impact and in an economic decline. The small town of Herculaneum knows all too well about the dangers of led pollution. In 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency closed the Doe Run Co. smelter which was the last place in the country where lead taken from the ground was processed. Herculaneum residents are still recovering from the pollution and contamination that came from lead production. While Missouri's mining history was dangerous for those in and around the mines, it is still an important aspect to the formation and development of our great state.
1. This photo from 1904 shows what in reality is a smaller lead mine in southwest Missouri. The Myrtle D. Mine in Carterville was one of many lead ore mines in the area.
2. Men and teenage boys pose outside of the Bonne Terre lead mine located in southeast Missouri.
3. Mills were also erected near the mine to help produce usable metals ready for market. This photo was captured in 1900 and shows the inside of a lead and zinc mill near Joplin.
4. Two men operate a steam shovel in an underground lead mine near Joplin in this undated photo.
5. St, Joseph Lead Company was located in Herculaneum. This shot from 1901 shows the inside of the mill and how the lead bars were stored.
6. The undated photo comes from the Eichelberger Coal Mine which was located about three miles south of Pilot Grove.
7. Windlass mining was a popular technique for gold mining but here in Missouri it was used in lead mining. This photo from 1903 was taken from outside a mine in Morgan County.
8. Improvements were made on the windlass and horses were used to help haul up heavy buckets from the mine shafts. This photo from 1900 shows men operating this hoister above a mine shaft in Jasper County.
9. Bevier, located in Macon County, was home to the Kansas Texas Coal Mine. While lead was the most popular natural resource to come out of Missouri, there were some very productive coal mines across the state. This photo from 1902 shows the exterior of the Kansas Texas Coal Mine.
10. This photo from 1903 shows the entrance to the Hubbard and Moore Coal Mine near Versailles. The men in the trenches are using wheelbarrows to help transport tools and materials down into the mine shafts.
11. Railroads were also an essential part of the mining business. Taken in 1901, this picture shows how trains would enter below the mining mill. The coal would then be dumped into the train cars by opening a door from above.
What do you think about these amazing historic photos from Missouri's mining industry? Let us know in the comments below.
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