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Oklahoma Ghosts Towns: Picher Oklahoma
It’s one of the most toxic places in Oklahoma, and probably the country.
Living in Oklahoma presents the opportunity for lots of little-known backstories. The state seems to have an abnormal amount of ghost towns. Often, they come with interesting stories. Take Picher, Oklahoma for example. Not only is it a ghost town it’s one of the deadliest places in the country.
Picher is in Ottawa County, located in northeastern Oklahoma. For 100 years, it was the center of lead and zinc mining. Eventually, decades of subsurface mining began to show make themselves known. Dangers included cave-in threats, water contamination and mining residue, known as “chat” posed a danger to children.
Mitigation and remediation proved unsuccessful
During the 80s the EPA funded the Tar Creek Superfund to try to undue the damage. The attempt proved unsuccessful. In 1994 a survey found that 34% of the children in Picher suffered from lead poising, which can lead to lifelong neurological problems.
Ultimately, the EPA and state bought the land and mandated an evacuation.
Going, going, gone
As of 2000, Picher had a population of 1620. The 2010 census showed a population of 20.
