Blackall is a town rich in history. It stands on the side of the Barcoo River and is at the heart of what has long been sheep farming country. Blackall was first established in 1864 and Queensland's first artesian bore was drilled here in 1815. Blackall was the domain of the legendary, record-setting shearer Jackie Howe. He became a legend here in 1892 when he blade shore 321 sheep in less than 8 hours. The blade shearing record still stands and machine shears did not beat the tally until 1950. Explorer Thomas Mitchell reached this area in 1846 and the Town is named after Sir Samuel Blackall, Queensland's second Governor.
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