Kolmanskop, Namibia

Kolmanskop is an abandoned diamond mining town located in the sands of southwestern Namibia. The town was built in the early 1900’s when diamonds were discovered in the sand and mining commenced. Kolmanskop was a well-to-do-community and it’s residents had access to a school, hospital, general store, theater, bowling alley, and even an ice factory. Materials and supplies were brought to the town by rail over miles of sand-filled desert.

When diamond mining declined during World War I, residents left Kolmanskop and it became an abandoned ghost town. Over time, buildings began to crumble. Paint peeled, windows broke, doors came off of their hinges, and sand began to fill the building interiors. It’s present condition makes it a veritable diamond mine for photographers.