Murfreesboro in Pike County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Uncle Sam
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 29, 2025
1. Uncle Sam Marker
40.23 carats (rough)
12.42 carats (cut)
The Uncle Sam diamond is the largest gem-quality diamond ever found in North America and was unearthed here in 1924.
Wesley Basham, Uncle Sam to his family and friends, worked for the Arkansas Diamond Mining Company, which owned this part of the crater. He was the first person to see the diamond as he and other miners used a high-pressure water hose to wash diamond-bearing ore down a long, wooden sluice. Although the mine owned the diamond, Basham's nickname stuck with this gem.
The Uncle Sam Diamond was cut into an emerald shape twice over the years. First it was cut to 14.34 carats, and then later recut to 12.42 carats. It was graded as M-color, with a slight pinkish hue, and very, very slight inclusions. In 1971, the diamond was sold to a private collector for $150,000.
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 year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 34° 1.955′ N, 93° 40.307′ W. Marker is in Murfreesboro, Arkansas,
this page online
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: John Wesley Huddleston (within shouting distance of this marker); James "Diamond Jim" Archer (within shouting distance of this marker); Amarillo Starlight (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mine Shaft / Guard House (about 300 feet away); Dazzling Diamonds From the Crater (about 300 feet away); Star of Arkansas (about 400 feet away); Okie Dokie (about
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, May 29, 2025
2. Uncle Sam Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 15, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
