In the mid-1800's, an iron furnace operated on the banks of Clear Creek. Woodchoppers cut 35 cords of wood per day to produce charcoal for the furnace. Miners dug 12 tons of iron ore and 5 tons of limestone per day, all from the Licking River valley. TheIn the mid-1800's, an iron furnace operated on the banks of Clear Creek. Woodchoppers cut 35 cords of wood per day to produce charcoal for the furnace. Miners dug 12 tons of iron ore and 5 tons of limestone per day, all from the Licking River valley. The following text is from interpretation found at the furnace, "With a hiss of steam, air is blown into the hearth, heating the charcoal white hot. The expanding air roars and explodes out the top of the stack in a shower of sparks and flame. The furnace is in blast!"