Rush
Zinc in the Ozarks
State: Missouri
County: Marion County
Founded: 1870s
Abandoned: 1930s
Peak Population: 300
Rush was a zinc mining boomtown on the Buffalo River. At its peak, 300 people worked the mines and lived in company housing. When zinc prices crashed, the town emptied. Now within Buffalo National River, the ruins are accessible by hiking.
Zinc Boom
Morning Star Mines and other operations extracted zinc from the Ozark hills. The town had a smelter, stores, and company houses.
National River
Rush is now part of Buffalo National River. Smelter ruins, mine shafts, and foundations remain for hikers to explore.
Timeline
- 1870s - Settled Mining began
- 1916 - Peak WWI zinc boom
- 1930s - Abandoned Zinc prices collapsed
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Moderate - hiking
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Quick Facts
- In Buffalo National River
- Smelter ruins visible
- Mine shafts remain (dangerous!)
Location
Address: Buffalo National River, near Yellville area
Coordinates: 36.05, -92.5833