Barberton, located in the scenic De Kaap Valley and surrounded by the magnificent Makhonjwa Mountains, is a town with a rich history. As with many settlements of its time, Barberton owes its existence to the great gold rush that swept through South Africa in the late 19th century.
A Golden Discovery. In the early days, before the town's inception, the region witnessed a major discovery. Tom McLachlan was the first to find traces of alluvial gold at Jamestown in 1881. But the lowveld's hot climate and the prevalent malaria deterred prospectors. It wasn’t until "French Bob" Auguste Roberts struck gold in Concession Creek in 1883 that the rush truly began.
One significant moment in the town’s history came in 1884 when Graham Barber and his two cousins made a rich discovery on state land near the Umvoti Creek's confluence with the De Kaap valley. This discovery, documented in a letter to the State Secretary, led to David Wilson, the Gold Commissioner, declaring the establishment of the township of Barberton.
Named after Graham Hoare Barber, who found a gold-bearing reef there, Barberton transformed from a simple mining camp to a bustling town, especially after Edwin Bray and his partners found gold in the hills and formed the Sheba Reef Gold Mining Company.
A Growing Metropolis. Barberton’s growth was meteoric. The first Stock Exchange in the Transvaal set up shop there, and the town experienced an influx of wealth. Music halls, billiard saloons, and majestic hotels like The Criterion and Royal Standard were established, signaling the town’s prosperity. By 1896, the Oosterlijn rail line, operated by the Netherlands-South African Railway Company (NZASM), connected Barberton to broader regions, enhancing trade and mobility.
However, like many gold rush towns, the bloom was short-lived. As gold deposits waned and newer gold fields emerged on the Reef, many of Barberton's inhabitants sought greener pastures.
Barberton's Legacy. Despite the shift, Barberton, dubbed the 'Daisy Town', remains a testament to the early days of South Africa's gold mining history. It boasts four gold mines, each over a century old, still operational today, underlining the region's enduring significance in the gold mining sector.
The Barberton Daisy's Tale. Barberton isn't just about gold; it's also linked to the iconic Barberton Daisy. In 1884, after hearing of the gold-strike at Moodies, a syndicate ventured to the goldfields, among them Jameson. Upon his return to Durban, he introduced the Gerbera plant, which he'd found abundant near the diggings, to the Durban Botanic Garden. This would later be named Gerbera jamesonii, known popularly as the Barberton Daisy, in honour of Jameson's contribution.
Barberton, with its intertwining tales of gold and daisies, remains a testament to South Africa's rich heritage. Its history is not just about wealth and prosperity but also about discovery, community, and the indomitable human spirit. The town stands as a reminder of the golden era, beckoning visitors to relive its storied past.