Jagersfontein

Jagersfontein is located on the R704 in the Free State. Jagersfontein is a small town 15 km’s east of Fauresmith and 60 km’s from the Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve. It was founded in 1878 on the farm of the same name, proclaimed a town in 1882, was administered by a village management board from 1886, and attained municipal status in 1904. Named after the Griqua family of Evert Jagers who owned the farm and lived at the fountain.

The second largest diamond in the world, the Excelsior, was discovered here in 1893.  The Excelsior Diamond was discovered by a miner while loading a truck. The diamond, which is described ad being white in colour with a tint of blue was the biggest diamond ever found until 1905 when the Cullinan Diamond was discovered. Unfortunately the diamond was cut into smaller pieces. In its original form it had measured 970 carats.

Jagersfontein is located 120 km’s from Bloemfontein via R706.

Jagersfontein has fallen on hard times since the mine was closed.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagersfontein

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JAGERSFONTEIN’S BIG ROCKS

The humble town of Jagersfontien produced two of the biggest diamonds ever discovered. The open-pit Jagersfontein diamond mine was dug by hand between 1870 and 1909 and measures 760m from one side to the other (and is nearly as deep). With a top area of 19.65 hectares, it is 2.65 hectares bigger than the Big Hole in Kimberley! Other historic sites include:

  • The Jagersfontein Graveyard where many Anglo-Boer war heroes were buried.
  • Original water pumps which still stand in the town’s streets.
  • The Moth Museum which features memorabilia from the Anglo-Boer War, the Namibian Border War and both world wars.
  • Several Anglo-Boer War blockhouses en route towards Bethulie, near Springfontein.

 

You can find Jagersfontein on the Springbok Route in the Free State.

SPRINGBOK ROUTE

The Springbok Route, which connects the Free State with the Northern Cape, winds through the scenic farmlands and nature reserves of the Xhariep District. A wealth of cultural and historical attractions en route include battle sites, San rock engravings, game farms and diamond mines.

The towns along the Springbok route are: