Oil seeping to the surface of the ground created these asphalt ponds or "gum beds". These beds brought the first explorers to Oil Springs. The most famous is Charles Tripp who started the world's first oil company in 1851, The International Mining and Manufacturing Company. It was empowered to seek for oil and salt springs and to manufacture oils, naphtha paints, burning fluids, varnishes and other products. Tripp's asphalt was so unique it gained international attention and in 1865 it received honorable mention at the Universal Exhibition in Paris.