Picher

Too Toxic to Survive

State: Oklahoma County: Ottawa County Founded: 1913 Abandoned: 2009 Peak Population: 14,000

Picher was the center of the Tri-State Mining District. Lead and zinc mining created massive piles of toxic chat. The EPA declared it a Superfund site, bought out residents, and demolished the town.

Quick Facts

  • EPA bought out entire town
  • Superfund site
  • Demolished structure by structure

Location

Address: Former site of Picher, Oklahoma

Coordinates: 36.9839, -94.8353