Picher can be called "the town that Jack built." It was established in 1917, just after the United States declared war on Germany in World War I, When zinc was discovered in what is now Picher, the Germans had control of the zinc mines in Belgium. And the zinc boom was on in Picher, which, along with nearby Cardin, Okla., and Treece, Kansas, became the world's largest zinc mine. Picher had a population of over 25,000. After the war, people left Picher, leaving the town in a depression until World War II, when, again, Picher boomed since zinc became a war material. But after the war, people left the town, and in the 1970's, the last of the zinc mines shut down. Submitted by: Mike Garner

UPDATE: If Picher wasn't facing troubles already with the site and water conditions, the town was pretty much cleared out by a May, 10th 2008 Tornado. There is some but little left of the town and people are still trying to figure out what to do with the site and whats left. Word is the town could be completely deserted soon.

Great site, just thought id update with something I knew.

Frank Merrick

Picher in the 1920's
Courtesy Steven McGinty

Lucky Syndicate Mine, 1923
Courtesy Steven McGinty

Abandoned Ritz Mine derrick (notice the large caved-in sink hole next to it.)
Courteys Steven McGinty

Abandoned Miner Shack
Courtesy Steven McGinty

Picher Mining Equipment
Courtesy Steven McGinty

The entire area of Picher and Cardin is surrounded by chat piles. (Chat is a gravel waste material from the mining days.)
Courtesy Steven McGinty

The Miner's Cafe was a nice place for miners to grab a quick bite to eat. But today, it's no more.
Courtesy Steven McGinty

The Picher Mining Museum is worth a visit.
Courtesy Steven McGinty

This Abandoned baseball field no longer hosts any games
Courtesy Steven McGinty