Missouri Mines State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Missouri Mines State Historic Site |
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 Missouri Mines State Historic Site
Location in Missouri
Missouri Mines State Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Park Hills, St. Francois County, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 64.59 acres (26.14 ha) |
| Established | 1976 |
| Visitors | 19,819 (in 2022) |
| Operator | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Missouri Mines State Historic Site |
The Missouri Mines State Historic Site is a cool place in Park Hills, Missouri. It's built around an old factory called Federal Mill No. 3. This factory used to process special rocks called lead and zinc ore that were dug up from mines nearby for many years.
Today, the site's old power building has a museum. This museum teaches visitors about the earth's geology and the history of mining in Missouri's famous "Old Lead Belt" area. It's a great spot to learn how important mining was to the state!
Contents
What is the Missouri Mines Site?
The Missouri Mines State Historic Site helps us remember the important mining history of Missouri. It shows how lead and zinc were taken from the ground. These metals were very important for many things we use every day.
The Old Lead Belt: A Mining Hotspot
The area around the site was once known as the "Old Lead Belt." This was a huge mining region where lots of lead and zinc were found. The Federal Mill No. 3 was one of the big factories that cleaned these rocks. It separated the valuable metals from the dirt and other materials.
A Look Back: History of the Mine
The Federal Lead Company built this large factory between 1906 and 1907. It was a busy place for many years. Later, in 1923, another big company called St. Joseph Lead Company bought the mill.
Why the Mill Closed
The mill kept working until 1972. By then, most of the lead and zinc rocks in that area had already been mined. The big mining companies started moving their operations to new places further west. So, the Federal Mill No. 3 stopped its work.
From Mine to Park: What Happened Next?
After the mill closed, the land had a new future. In 1975, the land was given to the state of Missouri. The idea was to use it for fun activities and recreation.
Two New Parks Emerge
- A lot of the land was too damaged from all the mining to go back to being natural. So, this part became St. Joe State Park. It's a special place where people can ride off-road vehicles.
- The mill site itself became an "interpretive center." This means it's a place designed to teach people about the history of mining and the geology of the area. It's a way to preserve the past and educate future generations.
Images for kids
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Building and conveyor
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Mineral museum
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Mining equipment on display
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One of the large buildings next to the museum.
See also
- Mining in the United States
- Desloge Consolidated Lead Company
