Norseman - a town named after a horse
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325255)
Rockingham, Australia
July 26, 2018 7:21pm CST
The town of Norseman is named after a horse. The horse had been tied up by its owner, Laurie Sinclair, and was pawing the ground in frustration when it uncovered a lump of very rich gold-bearing ore. This was in 1894 and it sparked a massive gold rush. Since the late 19th century, the area has yielded over 100 tonnes of gold. Its annual rainfall is only 276mm. There is a huge tailings dump from the mining. Increasingly, the town depends on travellers stocking up on supplies before or after crossing the Nullarbor.
All the street signs in the town bear a picture of the horse before the street name. In the middle of town is a life-size bronze scultpure which has been erected to commemorate both Norseman and all the other animals which were essential to those trying to establish themselves in the area, whether prospecting or as pastoralists.
18 people like this
17 responses
@Shellyann36 (11385)
• United States
11 Aug 18
Very interesting history. I like the statue.
1 person likes this
@Shellyann36 (11385)
• United States
13 Aug 18
@JudyEv Yes, it has. I wonder how many kids have climbed upon its back?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325255)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 Aug 18
@Shellyann36 I hadn't thought about that but perhaps quite a few.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
2 Aug 18
I gather Laurie Sinclair became a wealthy woman?
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
4 Aug 18
@JudyEv lol Oh I forgot that an Aussie or Brit man could be named Laurie!! lol I just assumed it was a woman.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325255)
• Rockingham, Australia
4 Aug 18
@BelleStarr No Lawrences or Laurances in the US?
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29233)
• Eugene, Oregon
29 Jul 18
What a great statue! That horse should have been richly rewarded.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29233)
• Eugene, Oregon
1 Aug 18
@JudyEv Better late than never.
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (74417)
• East Tawas, Michigan
29 Jul 18
This horse was probably looking for water, in the heat of the day. I'm glad he sparked a gold rush!
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (74417)
• East Tawas, Michigan
31 Jul 18
@JudyEv Yes, he is portrayed as a legend, this is a great honor:)
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (169567)
• United States
27 Jul 18
I hope the horse got treated royally after his accidental discovery.
1 person likes this
@caopaopao (12395)
• China
27 Jul 18
The horse brought wealth to the town. People named the town after it. it's very meaningful.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325255)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jul 18
Well, we wouldn't want the horse getting a swollen head, would we? Probably the most he ever got was a few extra oats.
@JohnRoberts (109857)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Jul 18
You Aussies love your horses.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325255)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jul 18
Hopefully he got an extra handful of oats. He'd prefer that to gold dust.
@RasmaSandra (73201)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Jul 18
Very interesting. Love that statue of the horse. Nice that the horse was honored in this way.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
27 Jul 18
That is awesome to let people know the town is because of that horse.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325255)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jul 18
It makes a nice story doesn't it? But it is all true.
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
27 Jul 18
It's a good tribute to Norseman! He made the people in that area rich!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325255)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jul 18
Yes, it might still be desert if it hadn't been for him.
