In 1869 the first diamonds were found at Barkly West in the river gravel of the Vaal. There was an immediate rush to the diggings (which still attract hopeful prospectors). The first settlement established by the diamond-miners was called Klipdrift. Later there was fierce dispute over the ownership of this valuable land, which was claimed by the Griqua, a Hottentot tribe, and the Tswana, a Bantu people, both of whom lived in the area, and by the Boers of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal and the British.
Finally the British authorities assigned the territory to the Griqua; but in 1870 they bought it back and established a new colony, Griqualand West, of which Klipdrift became the capital.
The town was given its present name in 1873 in honor of Sir Henry Barkley, Governor of the Cape.
Between June and September the Barkly West police station issues permits for diamond-prospecting - though the prospectors are more likely to find semi-precious stones (tiger's eyes) than diamonds. On Saturday mornings in particular the town still has a little of the atmosphere of the old diamond-mining days, and diamond dealers come to negotiate with the treasure-seekers for the purchase of their week's booty.
On the outskirts of Barkly West, on the Kimberley Road, is the Canteen Koppie Nature Reserve (area 7ha/17ac). There were once diamond diggings here, but the area has now reverted to its natural vegetation cover of grass, bushes and trees.
In the Mining Commissioner's office are displayed numerous prehistoric artifacts found during the diamond-mining operations as well as photographs of the town's diamond-mining heyday.
10km/6mi northwest of Barkly West, on the south side of the Vaal, is the Vaalbos National Park (area 22,500ha/55,600ac), established in 1986, which is of particular interest for its vegetation. The name Vaalbos is derived from the camphor tree which flourishes here. In addition to the local species of animal (antelopes, giraffes) buffaloes and rhinos have been reintroduced here. The park has at present no tourist infrastructure.
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