Rush Historic District, Mining historic district in Ozark Mountains, Arkansas.
Rush Historic District is a mining settlement in the Ozark Mountains containing the remains of mines and buildings spread across the landscape. Multiple structures from the zinc production era are visible today, including commercial stores, blacksmith shops, and worker dwellings.
The district began as a zinc mining center in the 1880s and peaked during World War I when ten companies operated thirteen mines in the area. Mining operations ended in the 1940s as zinc prices declined and the mines closed.
The remaining buildings show how miners and their families lived together in this settlement, with stores, shops, and homes clustered throughout the district. Walking through these structures reveals how a working community operated during its mining era.
The district can be explored on foot using marked trails maintained by National Park Service staff that run through the historic areas. The terrain is hilly and uneven, so proper footwear and extra time for a leisurely walk are recommended.
The area still shows visible traces of zinc mining today, including mining pits and equipment remains that are rarely found elsewhere in Arkansas. These remnants offer a rare glimpse into a regional industry that vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
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