Doe Run, Missouri is a small town located in the southeastern part of the state. It is situated in St. Francois County, just south of the Mark Twain National Forest. The town has a total area of 0.9 square miles and is home to approximately 600 residents.
The town is located in the Ozark Mountains, which means that the terrain is hilly and rocky. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills covered in dense forests, with occasional clearings and small streams running through them. The town is surrounded by a number of small lakes, including Lake Forest and Lake LaTour.
The climate in Doe Run is classified as humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low in January is around 24 degrees Fahrenheit. The town receives an average of 44 inches of rain per year, with most of the precipitation falling during the spring and summer months.
Doe Run is located in an area that was once heavily mined for lead. The town’s name comes from the fact that the lead mines in the area were often referred to as “doe runs,” which were narrow shafts that were dug into the ground. Today, the Doe Run Company operates a large lead smelter in the nearby town of Herculaneum, which is one of the largest lead-producing facilities in the world.
The town of Doe Run is surrounded by a number of other small communities, including Farmington, Bonne Terre, and Park Hills. These towns are all located within a few miles of each other and are connected by a network of highways and back roads.
Despite its small size, Doe Run has a strong sense of community and a number of local businesses and organizations. The town has a volunteer fire department, a community center, and a number of churches and other religious institutions. It is also home to a small public school system, which serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Doe Run is a small town with a rich history and a unique geography. Its location in the Ozark Mountains, combined with its proximity to the Mark Twain National Forest and other natural areas, makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Despite its challenges, the town has managed to maintain a strong sense of community and remains an important part of the St. Francois County region.
History, Economy and Politics of Doe Run, Missouri
Doe Run, Missouri is a small town located in the southeastern part of the state. The town has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. It was first settled by European immigrants who were attracted to the area’s rich mineral resources. The town was named after the Doe Run creek, which runs through the town and was used by early settlers as a source of water and power.
In the early 1900s, Doe Run became a major center for lead mining, and the town’s economy was heavily dependent on the lead industry. The Doe Run Company, which was founded in 1904, played a significant role in the town’s development. The company operated numerous lead mines in the area and built a large lead smelter nearby, which became one of the largest in the world. The company also helped to develop the town’s infrastructure, including building roads, schools, and hospitals.
However, the mining industry had a significant impact on the environment and the health of the town’s residents. Lead mining and smelting operations produced large amounts of lead-contaminated waste, which led to soil and water pollution. Moreover, exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, especially in children. In recent years, the Doe Run Company has faced numerous environmental and health-related lawsuits, and there have been calls for the company to take greater responsibility for cleaning up the area.
Despite these challenges, Doe Run remains an important part of the St. Francois County region. The town has a strong sense of community, with local businesses, organizations, and a small public school system. The town’s economy has diversified in recent years, with the development of new industries such as tourism and agriculture. The Mark Twain National Forest, which surrounds the town, attracts visitors who come to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The town has also become a center for organic farming, with numerous small farms and farmers’ markets.
In terms of politics, Doe Run is located in St. Francois County, which is a predominantly Republican area. The town has a mayor-council form of government, with a mayor and four council members who are elected by the town’s residents. The town also has a police department and a volunteer fire department. In recent years, the town has faced challenges related to funding for essential services such as road maintenance and public safety.
Doe Run, Missouri has a rich history and a strong sense of community. The town’s economy has faced challenges related to the impact of lead mining and smelting, but it has diversified in recent years with the development of new industries. The town’s politics reflect the conservative values of the surrounding area, and the town has a mayor-council form of government. Despite its challenges, Doe Run remains an important part of the St. Francois County region, with a unique character and a bright future.