Major Archibald Clark's sawmill, built about 1802 at the site marked by this mill pond, was the oldest industry in what is now Charlton County. The mill used upright saws operated by water power, and its lumber was shipped down the St. Marys River. Major Clark, who was Collector of the Port of St. Marys, refused during the War of 1812 a British demand to surrender all government funds. In reprisal, British forces went up the St. Marys to burn his mill, but Capt Wm. Cone and 28 men turned them back, saving the mill to operate for many years until it was supplanted by steam mills.