1867-1914: From Eureka to the Big Hole
Kimberley History: 1867-1914
Introduction
The discovery of diamonds in southern Africa changed the course of history. It transformed Kimberley from open veld into the world's greatest diamond mining centre, attracted thousands of fortune seekers from every continent, created vast fortunes and helped shape modern South Africa.
This timeline follows the key events between the discovery of Africa's first authenticated diamond in 1866 and the closure of the Kimberley Mine at the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.
The Timeline
1867 – Eureka!
On 13th October 1867, fifteen-year-old Erasmus Jacobs discovers a transparent pebble on his family's farm near Hopetown, close to the Orange River. The stone is later identified as Africa's first authenticated diamond and named the Eureka Diamond. Although modest in size, its discovery marks the beginning of South Africa's diamond industry.
1869 – The Star of South Africa
A Griqua shepherd discovers an 83.5-carat rough diamond near Hopetown. Named the Star of South Africa, the spectacular find captures international attention and triggers the first great diamond rush to the Orange River diggings.
1870 – The Diamond Rush Gathers Pace
Diamonds are discovered at Klip Drift (today Barkly West), sparking a second great diamond rush. Later that year, rich deposits are found at Bultfontein and Du Toit's Pan, drawing thousands more prospectors to the district.
Among the new arrivals is a 17-year-old Englishman named Cecil John Rhodes, who begins his Kimberley career by selling ice to miners before investing his savings in diamond claims.
1871 – Kimberley is Born
The De Beers Mine is discovered in May, followed by the even richer Kimberley Mine in July. A sprawling tent settlement known as New Rush quickly develops around the diggings.
Later renamed Kimberley, the town soon becomes the centre of the world's diamond industry. The Kimberley Mine—today known as the Big Hole—would become the richest diamond mine ever worked by hand.
1873 – Two Future Rivals
Barney Barnato arrives at the Kimberley diggings to join his brother in the diamond trade, while Cecil Rhodes continues purchasing mining claims. The rivalry between these two ambitious young entrepreneurs would shape the future of the diamond industry.
1874 – Barnato Brothers
The firm Barnato Brothers, Dealers in Diamonds and Brokers in Mining Property, opens for business. Within only a few years, Barney Barnato would become one of the wealthiest and most influential figures on the Kimberley diamond fields.
1887 – Rivals Become Giants
By the late 1880s, Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato controlled much of Kimberley's diamond production. Their fierce competition results in overproduction and falling diamond prices, convincing both men that consolidation is essential if the industry is to survive.
1888 – De Beers is Born
On 12 March 1888, De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited (DBCML) was established through the merger of competing mining companies. Cecil Rhodes becomes its founding chairman, creating one of the world's most influential mining companies and establishing a near monopoly over the global diamond trade.
1890 – A New Mine and a New Market
The Wesselton Mine is discovered, further extending Kimberley's diamond wealth.
In the same year, ten leading London diamond merchants formed the London Diamond Syndicate, agreeing to purchase De Beers' entire production and helping to stabilise world diamond prices.
1897 – The Death of Barney Barnato
While travelling to England aboard the SS Scot, Barney Barnato dies after falling overboard under circumstances that remain one of South Africa's enduring mysteries. His death marks the end of one of Kimberley's most colourful personalities.
1899 – Kimberley Under Siege
Only weeks after the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Boer War, Kimberley is surrounded by Boer forces. For 124 days the town remains under siege. Mining operations cease while residents endure shelling, rationing and constant uncertainty until the arrival of the relief column in February 1900.
1902 – The End of an Era
Cecil Rhodes dies at Muizenberg at the age of 48. His reported final words — "So little done, too much to do" — reflect the extraordinary ambition that transformed both Kimberley and the world diamond industry.
The same year, a young German-born diamond buyer named Ernest Oppenheimer arrived in Kimberley to begin his career. Although Rhodes and Oppenheimer never met, Oppenheimer would later build upon Rhodes' legacy and become one of the defining figures of twentieth-century diamond mining. He quickly became involved in civic affairs, serving on the City Council before becoming Mayor in 1912.
1914 – The End of the Great Kimberley Mine
With the outbreak of the First World War, mining operations at De Beers' Kimberley properties were suspended. The original Kimberley Mine — the Big Hole — never reopens, bringing to a close one of the most extraordinary chapters in mining history.
Legacy
Between 1866 and 1914, diamonds transformed Kimberley from open farmland into one of the world's most famous cities. The discoveries made here changed the global diamond industry, influenced international politics, drove remarkable engineering achievements and created fortunes that continue to shape southern Africa today.
The legacy of those years can still be explored throughout Kimberley—in the Big Hole Mine Museum, historic buildings, monuments and streets where this remarkable story unfolded.
Continue Exploring Kimberley's Story
Kimberley has one of South Africa's richest and most fascinating histories. Through these pages, The Solomon shares some of the people, places and events that have shaped our city over the past 150 years. We hope these articles encourage you to discover more of Kimberley. And if you're planning a visit, Solomon Edwardian Guest House offers an ideal base from which to explore the city's history, heritage and attractions.
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1869-1871: South Africa's Great Diamond Rush