The source of Coal Creek is 1,400 feet above sea level on Cougar Mountain.

John Smith operated his mine on the west side of Coal Creek from 1811 until about 1837.

Coal was discovered along Coal Creek in 1863.

Shortly after line branched off at Korumburra it had a second branch going to Coal Creek.

The town was originally known as Coal Creek, which is still the name of the stream that runs through the town.

The stream of Coal Creek runs through this township.

There is also an opencast lignite mine located just north of town at Coal Creek.

The mine at Coal Creek operated from the 1880s to the 1958, when operations ceased.

There were also several grain and lumber mills along Coal Creek, but these also were gone by the early 20th century.

Coal Creek is a tributary of the Elk River.