Jacobsdal saw plenty of military action during the Second Anglo-Boer War of 1899–1902 because it was close to the two strategic towns of Kimberley and Mafeking. The wounded from the battles of Belmont/Graspan, Modder River, Magersfontein and Paardeberg were nursed in the town. The local hotel, known as the Garfield Hotel then, and owned by Mrs. Sarah Ann STREAK, born BROOKS, provided board and lodging to the Transvaal and Free State Ambulance, as well as Despatch riders. The hotel was run by her son William Brooks STREAK.