The name "Neosho" is generally accepted to be of Native American origin. It may be Osage language and means "clear, cold water", referring to local freshwater springs. The springs attracted several cultures of Native American inhabitants for thousands of years. It was also attracted the later white settlers. The city was founded in 1833. It was incorporated. Nicknamed "City of Springs", Neosho has long served as an agricultural center. Since 1888, it is the home of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery, the oldest in the National Fish Hatchery System. It is known locally as the "Gateway to the Ozarks".