This historic site contains the ruins of Federal Mill No. 3, which was once a large smelting plant used to refine lead as part of the extensive network of lead mining in this part of Missouri known as the “Lead Belt.” The site was donated to the state parks in 1975 by the St. Joseph Lead Company after it was decommissioned. The site contains 18 buildings including the powerhouse, crusher, and machine shops in various stages of rust and decay. Visitors are able to explore a roped-off area that gives…
