The Franklin County Lead site consists of areas of high concentrations of lead contamination from mining. Significant mining activities began around 1830 in southern Franklin County where lead was deposited in voids, fractures, and faults in the local dolomite/limestone (carbonate) rock formations. One of the largest and most known mines in Franklin County was the Virginia Mine. The Virginia Mine was operated at times by contract miners and at times by a single company of miners. Documentation suggests that 200 to 300 miners may have operated at one time, each being allotted a 24-foot diameter. The mineral extracted by the miners was smelted onsite. At one time, the mine had as many as 10 log and 3 ash furnaces active. The ore body at the Virginia Mine has been explored to a depth of 480 feet and for more than a mile vertically. During its history of operation, it produced more than 25,000 tons of lead. The depth and breadth of the Virginia Mine illustrates the unique and complex nature of lead deposition in Franklin County. Other notable mines of Franklin County that produced more than 1,000 tons of lead include: Valle and Skewes’ Mines (Mount Hope, Cove, and Short Lode Mines), Casswell Mine, Thomas Mine, Northumberland Mine. The Inventory of Mines, Operations, and Prospects (IMOP) database lists 177 historical sites associated with mining and production operations in Franklin County. Eight smelter operations are known to have existed in Franklin County. In most cases, smelters were co-located with the mines that they served. The J.H. Bartle smelter was the exception and operated in Union, Missouri, in the late 1800’s smelting lead from Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson Counties.
