“Here John Oxley landed to look for water Discovered the site of this city” reads the inscription on the John Oxley Memorial Obelisk. This unassuming granite obelisk stands near North Quay and Makerston Street. It marks a spot steeped in Brisbane’s history. Or does it?
The John Oxley Memorial Obelisk commemorates the supposed landing of John Oxley in 1824. He was the Surveyor-General of New South Wales. Oxley proclaimed this spot as a potential settlement site for Brisbane. However. historical research reveals a different story.
Historians now believe Oxley’s actual landing was further upstream near Milton. This is supported by Oxley’s field notes and further research by historians like Tom Truman and John Steele. They cite Oxley’s detailed descriptions of the surrounding area. This differs significantly from the location of the John Oxley Memorial Obelisk.
The obelisk itself is rather inconspicuous. It is easy to miss amidst the busy traffic and surrounding trees. A photographer Frank Hurley captured it in a picture after World War II. It shows a young couple reading the plaque seemingly oblivious to the controversy that would later surround its location. The monument was erected in 1928 as part of Brisbane’s centenary celebrations. It was funded by the state government. Its placement however was based on possibly inaccurate information. Dr FWS Cumbrae-Stewart a law professor and co-founder of Brisbane’s Historical Society played a key role in deciding its location. His interpretation of Oxley’s accounts influenced the obelisk’s positioning.
The John Oxley Memorial Obelisk’s story is one of historical interpretation. It highlights the ongoing debate about the precise location of Oxley’s landing. It serves as a reminder that historical accounts can be open to different interpretations. The monument remains a fascinating piece of Brisbane’s history despite its debatable location. It is a monument to a debate a testament to evolving understanding of the past. The John Oxley Memorial Obelisk continues to stand silently in its somewhat controversial spot. It is a captivating reminder of the complex nature of historical narratives. It invites further exploration and consideration of Brisbane’s origins.