Since the white man first settled this area, there has always been dispute as to who was the first to climb Mt. Nebo. Confirmed rumors is that it was named as such after Mount Nebo in the Middle East country of Jordan, where Moses was able to see a vision of what the world would come to. The first history book of Juab County was written by Alice P. McCune, a woman who I knew well. She wrote the book in 1947, and interviewed many of the still living Mormon Pioneers prior to that. It had been reported that Orson Pratt (a Mormon leader who was later killed by Mormon haters in the South) was the first to climb Mt. Nebo, but according to the books author, she thought that was "highly improbable" and I will stand my her. Then one has to recognize there were various Indian Tribes in the area, and part of the High School year books tell of the folklores of those people that strayed that way. Regardless who is first or last, it seems more important that YOU climb it, regardless of when it is. My mother did it, leading a bunch of women in the Juab Recreation Club of years ago. Although it bout killed me, my brother lead me up there years ago, and even though Hal did it in a pair of cowboy boots, and I in a new expensive pair of hiking boots. That is why it took us three days from Dad & Sons to Nebo, then out through Baileys Barn. Nowadays, Scouts and others do it in one day, and you can hike from either the Mona side or Nephi Loop Side. Over the years the height of the Mountain changes, depending on how much "Nebo Juice" the Engineer or Surveyor is drinking! The first photo of the lady on top was taken by Roy Tolley on July 24, 1985, and at that time, the height was determined to be 12,000 feet. So carry a rock with you and build a tall marker with a good record as it is only a box of papers now.
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