New Rush diamond discovery and diamond rush at Kimberley

Background. Kimberley's historical significance stems from its diamond-mining past. The city, capital of the Northern Cape, was established following the discovery of diamonds on Colesberg Kopje. This discovery led to the proclamation of Griqualand West in 1871 and the arrival of colonial commissioners. The area became a major mining hub, attracting figures like Cecil Rhodes and Barney Barnato.

Discovery and Rush. Diamonds were found in 1871 on Colesberg Kopje by Esau Damoense, a cook for Fleetwood Rawstorne's "Red Cap Party". This discovery caused a diamond rush, with 50,000 miners digging the hole from mid-July 1871. The resulting settlement, known as New Rush, grew rapidly, becoming the second-largest town in South Africa by 1873 with a population of 40,000.

Colonial Administration. The territory was proclaimed as Griqualand West on 27 October 1871. Colonial commissioners arrived in New Rush on 17 November 1871 to exercise authority on behalf of the Cape governor. Richard Southey later arrived as lieutenant-governor in January 1873. The administration of the Crown Colony was conducted from Government Buildings in Kimberley until annexation in 1880.