Jamestown, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jamestown, New York
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Downtown Jamestown, viewed from Washington Street
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| Nickname(s):
The Pearl City
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 Jamestown, New York
Location in New York
Jamestown, New York
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Chautauqua |
| Founded | 1810 |
| Incorporated (village) | 1827 |
| Incorporated (city) | April 19, 1886 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 9.05 sq mi (23.45 km2) |
| • Land | 8.90 sq mi (23.05 km2) |
| • Water | 0.15 sq mi (0.40 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,378 ft (420 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 28,712 |
| • Density | 3,226.07/sq mi (1,245.66/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Codes |
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| Area code | 716 |
| FIPS code | 36-38264 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0953925 |
Jamestown is a city in southern Chautauqua County, New York, United States. In 2020, about 28,712 people lived there. It is located between Lake Erie to the north and the Allegheny National Forest to the south. Jamestown is the biggest city in Chautauqua County.
Nearby, Chautauqua Lake is a freshwater lake. People enjoy fishing, boating, and studying nature there. In the 20th century, Jamestown was a busy industrial city. It was known for making many products. These included the crescent wrench and automatic voting machines. Jamestown was also called the "Furniture Capital of the World." This was because of its many furniture factories. People came from all over to see furniture shows at the Furniture Mart. This building is still in the city today.
Many famous people are from Jamestown. These include the funny actress Lucille Ball. Also, Robert H. Jackson, a U.S. Supreme Court justice, grew up here. Musicians Natalie Merchant, Dennis Drew, and John Lombardo are from Jamestown. Famous naturalist Roger Tory Peterson and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also have roots here.
Contents
History of Jamestown
How Jamestown Started
Jamestown is named after James Prendergast. He was an early settler in Chautauqua County. His family bought about 3,500 acres (14 km2) of land in 1806. James Prendergast explored the area that is now Jamestown. He saw that the land was valuable. So, he bought another 1,000 acres (4 km2) in 1808.
In the fall of 1809, Prendergast and John Blowers built a log cabin. This was the first building in Jamestown. More cabins, mills, and a dam were built later. They were built on the Chadakoin River. In 1855, a night watch group was formed. Their job was to look out for fires.
Becoming a Village and City
Jamestown became a village in 1827. It officially became a city on April 19, 1886. Oscar F. Price was chosen as the first mayor on April 13, 1886. James Murray became the first Chief of Police. He led a team of six police officers.
Many important things happened in the late 1800s. In 1887, the Jamestown Electric Light and Power Company started. WCA Hospital also opened. The first electric trolley car appeared in 1890. In 1891, a fire destroyed a hotel. But the James Prendergast Library opened that same year.
In 1895, the City Hall cornerstone was laid. The city council decided to stop using wooden sidewalks.
Jamestown in the 20th Century
The 1900s brought more growth to Jamestown. In 1907, the Crescent Tool Company began. It was started by Karl Peterson and Charles F. Falldine. In 1908, Samuel A. Carlson became mayor. The Music Study Club and Jamestown Symphony Orchestra also started.
In 1911, actress Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown. The first airplane flew over Jamestown that year. In 1918, Jamestown Corp. began making airplane propellers.
In 1926, the Third Street Bridge was finished. It is still used today. In 1927, Jamestown celebrated 100 years since it became a village. In the 1930s, during the The New Deal, a new high school was built. This helped create jobs during the Great Depression. Jamestown High School was officially opened in 1935.
In 1940, PONY league baseball began. In 1945, a tornado hit Jamestown. In 1950, Jamestown Community College opened. In 1956, Lucille Ball visited Jamestown with Desi Arnaz. In 1960, Jamestown celebrated 150 years since its first house was built.
In 1963, singer Natalie Merchant was born in Jamestown. Her band, 10,000 Maniacs, started here. In 1969, Stanley N. Lundine became mayor. Passenger train service to Jamestown stopped in 1970.
Throughout the 1970s, many homes and shops in Brooklyn Square were moved. This was part of a city improvement project. Jamestown has hosted many Babe Ruth World Series baseball tournaments since 1980. The James Prendergast Library has often been ranked among the best libraries in the nation.
Jamestown Today
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On August 1, 2018, the National Comedy Center opened in Jamestown. It became the official National Comedy Center. It holds important items from famous comedians.
Jamestown's Location and Weather
Jamestown is about 71 miles (114 km) southwest of Buffalo. It is also 158 miles (254 km) north of Pittsburgh. The Chadakoin River flows through the city. Jamestown is at the eastern end of Chautauqua Lake.
Climate in Jamestown
Jamestown has a humid continental climate. This means winters are cold and snowy. Summers are warm and humid.
| Climate data for Jamestown, New York (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1895−present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 72 (22) |
73 (23) |
82 (28) |
92 (33) |
96 (36) |
103 (39) |
100 (38) |
99 (37) |
98 (37) |
90 (32) |
80 (27) |
73 (23) |
103 (39) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 55.1 (12.8) |
55.4 (13.0) |
67.5 (19.7) |
79.3 (26.3) |
85.1 (29.5) |
88.7 (31.5) |
89.4 (31.9) |
88.5 (31.4) |
86.9 (30.5) |
77.8 (25.4) |
67.8 (19.9) |
56.8 (13.8) |
91.0 (32.8) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 32.4 (0.2) |
34.6 (1.4) |
43.5 (6.4) |
56.9 (13.8) |
68.8 (20.4) |
76.5 (24.7) |
80.3 (26.8) |
79.4 (26.3) |
73.0 (22.8) |
60.6 (15.9) |
48.0 (8.9) |
37.2 (2.9) |
57.6 (14.2) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 24.2 (−4.3) |
25.2 (−3.8) |
33.3 (0.7) |
45.4 (7.4) |
56.5 (13.6) |
65.1 (18.4) |
68.8 (20.4) |
67.8 (19.9) |
61.2 (16.2) |
50.0 (10.0) |
39.3 (4.1) |
30.2 (−1.0) |
47.2 (8.4) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 16.1 (−8.8) |
15.8 (−9.0) |
23.1 (−4.9) |
34.0 (1.1) |
44.3 (6.8) |
53.7 (12.1) |
57.4 (14.1) |
56.1 (13.4) |
49.5 (9.7) |
39.4 (4.1) |
30.6 (−0.8) |
23.2 (−4.9) |
36.9 (2.7) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −5.7 (−20.9) |
−3.5 (−19.7) |
2.2 (−16.6) |
21.9 (−5.6) |
30.2 (−1.0) |
39.3 (4.1) |
46.6 (8.1) |
45.0 (7.2) |
36.5 (2.5) |
27.4 (−2.6) |
17.7 (−7.9) |
6.8 (−14.0) |
−9.4 (−23.0) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −31 (−35) |
−31 (−35) |
−23 (−31) |
−1 (−18) |
19 (−7) |
27 (−3) |
36 (2) |
28 (−2) |
24 (−4) |
13 (−11) |
−6 (−21) |
−21 (−29) |
−31 (−35) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.81 (97) |
2.70 (69) |
3.16 (80) |
3.91 (99) |
3.94 (100) |
4.36 (111) |
4.55 (116) |
3.59 (91) |
4.19 (106) |
4.11 (104) |
3.69 (94) |
3.92 (100) |
45.93 (1,167) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 29.8 (76) |
19.3 (49) |
15.3 (39) |
2.7 (6.9) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.4 (1.0) |
9.3 (24) |
21.6 (55) |
98.4 (250) |
| Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) | 11.2 (28) |
10.2 (26) |
8.0 (20) |
1.9 (4.8) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.3 (0.76) |
6.1 (15) |
8.9 (23) |
14.9 (38) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 19.9 | 16.0 | 14.6 | 14.0 | 13.3 | 12.9 | 12.3 | 11.5 | 11.0 | 14.4 | 14.3 | 17.8 | 172.0 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 13.8 | 10.7 | 6.5 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 3.8 | 9.9 | 46.6 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
People of Jamestown
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 3,155 | — | |
| 1870 | 5,336 | 69.1% | |
| 1880 | 9,357 | 75.4% | |
| 1890 | 16,038 | 71.4% | |
| 1900 | 22,892 | 42.7% | |
| 1910 | 31,297 | 36.7% | |
| 1920 | 38,917 | 24.3% | |
| 1930 | 45,155 | 16.0% | |
| 1940 | 42,638 | −5.6% | |
| 1950 | 43,354 | 1.7% | |
| 1960 | 41,818 | −3.5% | |
| 1970 | 39,795 | −4.8% | |
| 1980 | 35,755 | −10.2% | |
| 1990 | 34,681 | −3.0% | |
| 2000 | 31,730 | −8.5% | |
| 2010 | 31,146 | −1.8% | |
| 2020 | 28,712 | −7.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census |
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In 2000, there were 31,730 people living in Jamestown. Most people were White (91.52%). About 3.39% were African American. The largest groups of people were of Italian and Swedish descent. About 19.7% were Italian and 18.1% were Swedish.
Jamestown's history shows its strong Italian and Swedish roots. The local museum, The Fenton History Center, has special rooms for Swedish and Italian history.
Jamestown's Economy
Jamestown has several large factories that employ many people. The city was once famous as the "furniture capital of the world." It had many furniture and metal hardware makers.
UPMC Chautauqua is a hospital in the area. It started as WCA Hospital in 1885. It now includes mental health and rehab units.
Chautauqua County has about 2,200 farms. They mainly produce milk. The county is also New York's biggest producer of grapes for wine and jelly. It is one of the largest Concord grape producers in the country.
Cummins - Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP) is a major employer. It is located just outside Jamestown. More than 1,500 people work there. They make large diesel engines for farms, factories, and military uses.
Arts and Fun in Jamestown
Museums to Visit
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- The Fenton History Center is in the old home of Reuben Fenton. He was the 25th Governor of New York.
- The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center celebrates the life of Lucille Ball. She was a famous actress from Jamestown. The Washington Street Bridge was also renamed the Lucy Desi Bridge.
- The Jamestown Gateway Train Station is in downtown Jamestown.
- The National Comedy Center opened in 2018. It has items from famous comedians like George Carlin.
- The Robert H. Jackson Center teaches about justice and fairness. It focuses on the Nuremberg Trials.
- The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History helps people learn about nature. It continues the work of naturalist Roger Tory Peterson.
Sports Teams and Events
Jamestown is home to the Jamestown Tarp Skunks baseball team. They play in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. Their home games are at Russell Diethrick Park.
The Jamestown Jackals are a professional basketball team. They play in the Basketball Super League. The team plays its games at Jamestown Community College.
Northwest Arena is an ice arena in the city. Many hockey teams have played there.
Jamestown High School has strong sports teams. Their boys' and girls' basketball teams have won many titles. The football team has won several New York State Championships. Jamestown has hosted the Babe Ruth World Series many times.
Shopping Areas
Chautauqua Mall is in nearby Lakewood. Most large stores are just outside Jamestown. This area is known as Jamestown West.
How Jamestown is Governed
The City of Jamestown has a mayor-council government.
City Leaders
The mayor leads the city. The mayor is elected for four-year terms. The mayor appoints the heads of different city departments.
Here is a list of Jamestown's mayors:
| # | Mayor name | Took office | Left office | Political party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oscar F. Price | April 13, 1886 | May 7, 1894 | |
| 2 | Eleazer Green | May 7, 1894 | 1896 | Republican |
| 3 | Oscar F. Price | 1896 | April 11, 1898 | |
| 4 | Henry H. Cooper | April 11, 1898 | 1900 | |
| 5 | J. Emil Johnson | 1900 | April 9, 1906 | Republican |
| 6 | James L. Weeks | April 9, 1906 | 1908 | Republican |
| 7 | Samuel A. Carlson | 1908 | 1928 | Republican |
| 8 | Lars Larson | 1928 | 1930 | |
| 9 | Samuel A. Carlson | 1930 | January 1, 1934 | Republican |
| 10 | Leon F. Roberts | January 1, 1934 | January 1, 1938 | Democratic |
| 11 | Harry C. Erickson | January 1, 1938 | 1942 | Good Government Party |
| 12 | Samuel A. Stroth | 1942 | January 1, 1952 | Progressive Party |
| 13 | Stanley A. Weeks | January 1, 1952 | January 1, 1954 | Greater Jamestown Party |
| 14 | Samuel A. Stroth | January 1, 1954 | January 2, 1956 | Progressive Party |
| 15 | Carl F. Sanford | January 2, 1956 | January 1, 1962 | Greater Jamestown Party |
| 16 | William D. Whitehead | January 1, 1962 | January 1, 1964 | Taxpayer's Party Independent |
| 17 | Frederick H. Dunn | January 1, 1964 | 1967 | Democratic |
| 18 | Charles B. Magnuson | 1967 | 1969 | Republican |
| 19 | Stanley Nelson Lundine | 1969 | 1976 | Democratic |
| 20 | Steven B. Carlson | 1976 | 1990 | Democratic |
| 21 | Donald W. Ahlstrom | 1990 | 1992 | Republican |
| 22 | Carolyn Gifford Seymour | 1992 | 1994 | Democratic |
| 23 | Richard A. Kimball, Jr. | 1994 | January 1, 2000 | Republican |
| 24 | Samuel Teresi | January 1, 2000 | January 1, 2020 | Democratic |
| 25 | Eddie Sundquist | January 1, 2020 | January 1, 2024 | Democratic |
| 26 | Kim Ecklund | January 1, 2024 | Incumbent | Republican |
City Council Members
Jamestown's city council has nine members. They are elected every two years. Six members represent different areas (wards) of the city. Three members represent the whole city.
Here are the current members of the Jamestown City Council:
| Name and Party | Position |
|---|---|
| Jeffery R. Russell (R) | Council At-Large |
| Randall E. Daversa (R) | Council At-Large |
| Russell J. Bonfiglio (R) | Council At-Large |
| Brent P. Sheldon (R) | College Ward I |
| Anthony J. Dolce (R) | Lakeview Ward II (Council President) |
| Regina L. Brackman (D) | Chadakoin Ward III |
| Joseph P. Paterniti (R) | Bergman Ward IV |
| William R. Reynolds III (R) | Forest Ward V |
| Andrew G. Faulkner (R) | Willard Heights Ward VI |
Education in Jamestown
Colleges and Universities
Jamestown Community College offers two-year and four-year degrees. It has new buildings, including a science building and dorms. Jamestown Business College closed on February 28, 2025.
Schools for Younger Students
Jamestown Public Schools is the city's only school district. It also serves some nearby towns. The district includes:
- Jamestown High School
- Three middle schools: Persell, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson
- Five elementary schools: Lincoln, Fletcher, Clinton V Bush, CC Ring, and Love
The "Red Raider" Marching Band from Jamestown High School has won state championships.
Media and News
Radio Stations
Jamestown has several radio stations:
- WJTN – 1240 AM (adult contemporary music)
- WKSN – 1340 AM (oldies)
- WUBJ – 88.1 FM (NPR news)
- WYRR – 88.9 FM (religious programs)
- WNJA – 89.7 FM (classical music)
- WCGN – 90.9 FM (Christian music)
- WWSE – 93.3 FM (hot adult contemporary)
- WLKW – 95.3 FM (Christian music)
- W262BX – 100.3 FM (country music)
- WHUG – 101.9 FM (country music)
- WOGM-LP – 104.7 FM (religious programs)
- WKZA – 106.9 FM (pop music)
- WRFA-LP – 107.9 FM (community radio)
TV Stations
WNYB, channel 26, is the only TV station licensed to Jamestown. It broadcasts religious programs. WNY News Now, based in Jamestown, provides daily local news online.
Newspapers
The daily newspaper in Jamestown is The Post-Journal. Free weekly papers include the Jamestown Pennysaver and the Jamestown Gazette.
Getting Around Jamestown
Air Travel
The Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport (JHW) is north of the city. It offers charter flights.
Bus Services
Bus service is available through Coach USA of Erie. You can connect to Greyhound buses in Buffalo. There is also a county-wide bus service called CARTS. Taxi services like Rainbow Cab and Uber are also available.
Train Services
Today, the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad provides freight train service. There are plans to connect it to the New York and Lake Erie Railroad for fun train rides. Amtrak does not have a station in Jamestown.
The old Jamestown Station is still standing. It is now part of the National Comedy Center.
Major Roads
The Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86/Route 17) runs near Jamestown. You can get to the city from Exits 12 and 13. New York State Routes 60 and 394 pass through the city. Route 430 starts in Jamestown and goes west. U.S. Route 62 passes southeast of Jamestown.
Famous People from Jamestown
Business Leaders
- John Jachym, businessman and sportsman
- Reginald Lenna, businessman and giver to charity
- Willis R. Whitney, founder of General Electric's research lab
Artists and Entertainers
- Douglas Ahlstedt, opera singer
- Theodore Albrecht, music historian
- Brad Anderson, cartoonist
- Mitchell Anderson, actor
- Marshall Arisman, illustrator
- Fred Ball, movie executive, actor, brother of Lucille Ball
- Lucille Ball, actress, comedian, and businesswoman; born in Jamestown
- Suzan Ball, actress and cousin of Lucille Ball
- Rob Buck, founding member of 10,000 Maniacs
- Nick Carter, singer, member of the Backstreet Boys
- Dennis Drew, keyboardist for 10,000 Maniacs
- William Feather, publisher and author
- Vagn F. Flyger, wildlife biologist, expert on squirrels
- Laura Kightlinger, actress, comedian, writer
- John Lombardo, founding member of 10,000 Maniacs
- Janelle Lynch, photographer
- Natalie Merchant, singer; her band 10,000 Maniacs started in Jamestown
- The Mighty Wallop!, rock band
- Pandora Boxx, drag queen from RuPaul's Drag Race
- Marc Parnell, author and bird expert
- Julie Anne Peters, author
- Roger Tory Peterson, naturalist
- Charles Pitts, radio engineer
- Jackson Rohm, country/pop musician
- Elliott Fitch Shepard, newspaper owner
- Ira Spring, photographer, author
- Jud Strunk, singer/songwriter
- Dale Willman, journalist
- Thomas B. Woodworth, newspaper publisher, lawyer
Military Figures
- Charles Justin Bailey, US Army major general
- Wilfred Beaver, World War I flying ace
- Alfred Eugene Bradley, US Army brigadier general
- John B. Hayes, retired US Coast Guard Admiral
- Harriet L. Leete, Red Cross nurse in World War I
- James M. Young, Civil War Medal of Honor winner
Science and Technology Experts
- Louis W. Roberts, microwave physicist
Sports Figures
- Cheryl Bailey, Executive Director of the National Women's Soccer League
- Hugh Bedient, former MLB pitcher
- Walter Brown, former MLB player
- Leon Carlson, former MLB relief pitcher
- Stephen Carlson, NFL tight end, Chicago Bears
- Parke H. Davis, football player and coach
- Michael G. Foster, karate pioneer
- Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner
- Dwight Lowry, former MLB catcher
- Jim McCusker, retired NFL player
- Irv Noren, former professional baseball and basketball player
- Jaysean Paige, professional basketball player
- Nick Sirianni, NFL head coach, Philadelphia Eagles
Political Figures
- Augustus F. Allen, former US Congressman
- Alfred W. Benson, former US Senator from Kansas
- Samuel A. Carlson, former mayor of Jamestown
- Reuben Fenton, congressman, senator, and Governor of New York
- Andy Goodell, New York State Assemblyman
- Charles Goodell, former US Senator, father of Roger Goodell
- Mihal Grameno, Albanian politician, writer, journalist
- Alva L. Hager, former US Congressman from Iowa
- Abner Hazeltine, former U.S. Congressman
- Robert H. Jackson, U.S. Supreme Court justice and Nuremberg chief prosecutor
- Stanley Lundine, politician, Mayor of Jamestown, Congressman, Lieutenant Governor of New York
- Richard P. Marvin, former US Congressman
- Francis W. Palmer, former US Congressman
- William Parment, former New York State Assemblyman
- Jess Present, former New York State Senator
- Porter Sheldon, former US Congressman
- George Stoneman, Civil War General and Governor of California
- Samuel Teresi, mayor of Jamestown
- Davis Hanson Waite, 8th Governor of Colorado
- Walter Washington, first African-American Mayor of Washington, D.C.
Sister Cities
Jamestown has "sister city" relationships with:
See also
In Spanish: Jamestown (Nueva York) para niños
