Situated in the Northern Cape and most well know for its diamonds and the Big Hole dug there to mine these coveted rocks from the earth, is the city of Kimberley. In 1866 on the farm, De Kalk near Hopetown a young teenage boy, Erasmus Jakobs, found a pretty stone next to the banks of the Orange River. This was the first discovery that would eventually lead to the countries great diamond rush. It lasted more than 20 years and is considered one of the most important events in South Africa's economic history. In fact, this diamonds discovery prompted the Colonial Secretary at the Cape, Sir Richard Southey to make the statement: "This is the rock on which the future success of South Africa will be built."
Today the Kimberley Mine Museum and Big Hole allow you to experience the times and retrace the lives of the diamond prospectors. You have the opportunity to experience the town as it would have been during the diamond rush days. This is an open air museum consisting of original reconstructed buildings, preserving the feel of the cities bygone days. The first diamond to be discovered by Erasmus Jakobs can be viewed here and you can even sift through diamond-bearing soil to try and discover your own shiny rock.
The Big Hole is an amazing sight and was mined to a depth of 215 meters. It has a surface area of 17 hectares and a perimeter of 1.6 km and is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world. The mine was taken out of commission in August 1914 by which time 22.5 million tons of earth had been excavated that yielded 2 722 kg of diamonds.
You can even travel to the museum in old fashioned transportation and experience days gone by . You can travel on the tram service which was introduced in 1887 and came to a halt in 1947, but was revived in 1985. It operates daily, carrying visitors from City Hall to the Big Hole and the Mine Museum and back. On the way passengers can view some of the city's most historical and noteworthy sites. The tram also makes a stop outside the Star of the West, Kimberley's oldest pub.
Fort those with a keen interest in history, this town is great. You are guaranteed to be transported back in time to its heyday during The Great Diamond Rush. There is a large variety of accommodation available throughout the city and you are bound to find something to suit your every need and budget.
Today the Kimberley Mine Museum and Big Hole allow you to experience the times and retrace the lives of the diamond prospectors. You have the opportunity to experience the town as it would have been during the diamond rush days. This is an open air museum consisting of original reconstructed buildings, preserving the feel of the cities bygone days. The first diamond to be discovered by Erasmus Jakobs can be viewed here and you can even sift through diamond-bearing soil to try and discover your own shiny rock.
The Big Hole is an amazing sight and was mined to a depth of 215 meters. It has a surface area of 17 hectares and a perimeter of 1.6 km and is the largest hand-dug excavation in the world. The mine was taken out of commission in August 1914 by which time 22.5 million tons of earth had been excavated that yielded 2 722 kg of diamonds.
You can even travel to the museum in old fashioned transportation and experience days gone by . You can travel on the tram service which was introduced in 1887 and came to a halt in 1947, but was revived in 1985. It operates daily, carrying visitors from City Hall to the Big Hole and the Mine Museum and back. On the way passengers can view some of the city's most historical and noteworthy sites. The tram also makes a stop outside the Star of the West, Kimberley's oldest pub.
Fort those with a keen interest in history, this town is great. You are guaranteed to be transported back in time to its heyday during The Great Diamond Rush. There is a large variety of accommodation available throughout the city and you are bound to find something to suit your every need and budget.
About the Author:
For those of you with a keen interest in history, Kimberley is the perfect holiday spot. Experience the bygone days of South Africa's great diamond rush and all the other fabulous Kimberley accommodation and attractions. Kimberley activities available to suit all pockets and requirements.. This article, Be transported back in time and visit Kimberley in the days of the Diamond Rush is available for free reprint.
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