It is known that just south of Marissa Cemetery, on a hill at 321 Doza Creek Road, a settlement existed as many artifacts have been recovered over the years.

The three feet deep trench running through the woods was worn by foot and horse traffic, some pulling two pole skids carrying possessions.

John Lively had moved his family here from South Carolina and built a log cabin about two miles east of Marissa near Risdon School Road.

Because of the hostilities, small wooden forts were built by the settlers that afforded them a place to retreat when threats of attack loomed.

One of these was constructed on Doza Creek about a ¼ mile north of where it is crossed by the Risdon School Road.

Starting in the late 1800s and continuing to the present day, one of the largest local industries has been the mining of steam coal.