In 1903 the Oliver Mining Company drilled a 1094 - foot hole at this
location in search of iron ore. The hole cut through several steep
strata that trap water at the higher elevations to the north. The
difference in elevation causes pressure which was released by the
drilling thus producing an artesian well.
The presence of water is a part of life here. The Cornish Pump
nearby, was used to pump water from another iron mine.