The Lead Belt
by George Bailey
More lead is mined in Southeastern Missouri (Near Branson MO) than anywhere else in the country. That is why this part of the state is called The Lead Belt. Europeans started mining lead in 1720, when Philip Francois Renault established operations in Old Mines and Mine La Motte. Ste. Genevieve was founded soon thereafter and became a major center of lead transport. Moses Austin, father of Stephen F. Austin, the equally, if not more, famous "Father of Texas". Moses Austin initiated large-scale mining in Potosi and a town he founded called Herculaneum, which he named after the Roman city. Herculaneum is considered the first Anglo-American civilization west of the Mississippi River. One of the most prolific producers of lead on the planet, the Lead Belt is responsible for some 92% of the U.S. primary supply. In 2000, Missouri is reputed to have produced 313,105 tons of lead, which amounts to $128,838,880. Much of the lead from this region is used in batteries.