Rush
Rush was the center of Arkansas's zinc industry—booming during WWI when zinc was critical for the wa
State: Arkansas
County: Marion County
Founded: 1880s
Abandoned: 1960s
Peak Population: Several thousand
Rush was the center of Arkansas's zinc industry—booming during WWI when zinc was critical for the war effort. A 13,000-pound zinc nugget from the Morning Star Mine was displayed at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Now part of Buffalo National River with walking trails through mine ruins.
Timeline
- 1880s - Discovery Zinc ore discovered on Rush Creek.
- 1893 - World's Fair 13,000-lb zinc nugget displayed at Chicago World's Fair.
- 1910s - WWI Boom Zinc critical for war. Several thousand residents.
- 1920s - Crash Zinc prices collapsed. Mining declined.
- 1950s - Post Office Closes Last services ended.
- 1972 - Buffalo National River Became part of national river. Ghost town preserved.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring-fall
Difficulty: Easy - NPS trails
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Tips
- Morning Star Loop trail through mine ruins
- Rush Landing on Buffalo River
- Log cabins, mine structures, foundations remain
- Mines fenced for safety (bat habitat)
Quick Facts
- 13,000-pound zinc nugget displayed at 1893 Chicago World's Fair
- Named for the 'rush' of prospectors
- Ten companies worked 13 mines during WWI peak
- Now protected as part of Buffalo National River
Location
Address: Buffalo National River, Marion County, Arkansas
Coordinates: 35.9811, -92.5706