The township of Nebo has officially turned 100 years old, last Saturday November 11.
However, the history is a bit more interesting than a settlement 100 years ago. Originally named ‘Fort Copper’ in 1883, the settlement was nicknamed ‘Nebo’ by locals, and the two names existed together until 1923.
For a total of 40 years, the township operated under two names, and in 2023, Nebo is celebrating 140 years of settlement and 100 years of being named Nebo.
The area was initially explored and discovered by Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845, who followed the Isaac River west, however it wasn’t until 1856 when William Landsborough named Nebo Creek and mountain Fort Copper.
He named the settlement Fort Cooper, however there was confusion as a nearby station was also called Fort Cooper, so many residents began naming the settlement Nebo.
In the early days, Nebo’s primary production was sheep, but this was soon replaced by cattle trade.
Equine trade is also a big part of Nebo history with many well-developed horses being bred and trained in Nebo.
Nebo Shire Council celebrated 100 years of the town’s settlement in 1983 and are now celebrating 100 years of Nebo.
The Nebo Pub also celebrates 100 years, with Dale Last, Member for Burdekin checking out the party
Oxford Hotel, 1930
Nebo Racecourse, 1940
Nebo Post Office, 1930
Nebo General Store in 1915. Photos supplied
