Some undocumented 20th century reports state that it was built in 1792 as a corn and saw mill.
The community developed around an early lumber business and saw mill.
A friend who owns a Connecticut saw mill supplied the family with lumber.
They built and operated a cotton gin, and saw mill.
In 1800 a forge and saw mill were built by Thomas Thompson.
As per 1930 census the population of Dandeli was 515 the residents were predominantly working in forest department and government saw mill.
There was also a corn and saw mill at Hope, driven by an 11 ft water wheel.
It is the only surviving wind saw mill in the United Kingdom.
Water power was used to power a grist and saw mill which burned in 1749.
By the year 1855, the first Clear Lake school was built and the first steam saw mill.