Murfreesboro in Pike County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

First Diamonds

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 29, 2025

1. First Diamonds Marker

Inscription.
Near this site in August 1906, local farmer and amateur treasure hunter John Wesley Huddleston discovered the first diamonds in Pike County, Arkansas.

According to one of many accounts, Huddleston was panning for gold on his farmland one day when he found two smooth, shiny crystals unlike any he had ever seen. Believing they were diamonds, he tested the stones against a carbide grinding wheel, which they easily scratched.

After a jeweler in New York confirmed that Huddleston had found genuine, gem-quality diamonds, he sold his land to a group of Little Rock investors for a $36,000 option. Although he eventually lost most of the money, the legacy of "Diamond John" was established and continues to be celebrated today.

Erected by Crater of Diamonds Arkansas State Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1906.

Location. 34° 1.822′ N, 93° 40.406′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, in Pike County. It is on State Park Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro AR 71958, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains

and in Caddo Territory.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Esperanza Diamond (within shouting distance of this marker); Star of Shreveport

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Schall Diamond (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Okie Dokie (about 700 feet away); Amarillo Starlight (approx. 0.2 miles away); Uncle Sam (approx. 0.2 miles away); An Attempt at Riches (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Wesley Huddleston (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Murfreesboro.

More about this marker. Located in the southern most area of diamond field.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 29, 2025

2. First Diamonds Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 8, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.