Kimberly, Arkansas facts for kids
Kimberly was meant to be a busy town in Arkansas, started in late 1908. It was planned by a man named Millard M. Mauney. He hoped it would become a big center for diamond mining. Kimberly was in a great spot, only half a mile from where diamonds had just been found. A new railroad was also supposed to come through the town, which would help it grow.
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A Grand Opening Event
To get people excited, Mauney and his partners held a big opening event for Kimberly on January 22–23, 1909. Even "Diamond John" Huddleston, who first found the diamonds nearby, came to help. He bought the very first piece of land for $70, which was a way to show everyone how valuable the town would be.
Buildings and Big Plans
Between 1909 and 1910, some wooden buildings were put up in Kimberly. These included a small bank, a three-story hotel, and a little general store. There were also plans for a much larger business area. This area would have a club for people interested in the diamond fields and for prospectors visiting the area. Many people also bought land for homes, hoping the town would become successful.
Why Kimberly Didn't Last
Kimberly's future depended on finding lots of diamonds in the nearby fields. However, the diamond mines didn't produce as many diamonds as people hoped. It became clear that mining there wouldn't be very profitable. By February 1910, investors decided not to build the big club or the other planned businesses. As interest faded, the whole project officially ended in July 1911.
Back to Farmland
After the town project failed, Mauney's family got most of the land back. The few buildings that had been built were taken down. Most of the land that was once planned for Kimberly went back to being agricultural land, used for farming. So, even though some people call it a "ghost town", there aren't any old buildings left standing.
Kimberly Today
Today, the area that was once Kimberly has about a dozen modern homes. These homes are located along State Highway 301. This road is also known as "Diamond Mine Road" and goes through Crater of Diamonds State Park.
