Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Dr. C. Fred Williams, Ph.D

Abstract

This thesis explores the history of the Rush Creek Mining District from 1886 to 1918. The Rush Creek Mining District is located in the southeast corner of Marion County in north central Arkansas. During the 32 year period from 1886 to 1918 approximately 26,000 tons of zinc ore concentrates were mined from the district, making it the largest producer of zinc in northern Arkansas. During these years the community of Rush grew from a tiny mining camp to a town of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 people during the height of the mining boom during World War I. A review of the literature previously written on the Rush Creek Mining District revealed a small body of works consisting of a few articles focusing on the geology of the district aimed at mineral collectors, an assortment of local history articles, and overviews in three major geological survey reports covering north Arkansas mining districts. Those works focused on the geological aspects of the district, except for Dale Richards' article, gave scant information on the actual history of the district and its major players. The local history articles varied in usefulness and were too often concerned with a colorful story rather than historical fact. Primary sources would have to be located in order to complete a thesis and the author was fortunate in finding individuals possessing primary source materials to supplement a comprehensive review of the local newspapers of the time. The research revealed a story of foolhardy dreams and determination in the face of obstacles that proved insurmountable.

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