Jamestown, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jamestown
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Downtown Jamestown, viewed from Washington Street
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| Nickname(s):
The Pearl City
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 Jamestown
Location in New York
Jamestown
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 |
14701, 14702
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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. It's known as The Pearl City. In 2020, about 28,712 people lived there. The city is located between Lake Erie to the north and the Allegheny National Forest to the south. It is the biggest city in Chautauqua County. Nearby, Chautauqua Lake is a great place for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature.
In the 1900s, Jamestown was a busy industrial area. It was famous for making several products. These included the crescent wrench and the automatic lever voting machine. Jamestown was also called the "Furniture Capital of the World." This was because of its many furniture factories. People from all over the country came to furniture shows at the Furniture Mart. This building is still in the city today. For most of the 20th century, Blackstone Corporation was Jamestown's largest employer. It made washing machines and car parts.
Many famous people are from Jamestown. These include the funny actress Lucille Ball. Also, U.S. Supreme Court justice Robert H. Jackson grew up here. Musicians Natalie Merchant, Dennis Drew, and John Lombardo are from Jamestown. The famous naturalist Roger Tory Peterson is also from the city. NFL head coach Nick Sirianni and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell are also from Jamestown.
Contents
History of Jamestown
Early Days in the 19th Century
Jamestown is named after James Prendergast. He was an early settler in Chautauqua County. His family bought 3,500 acres (about 14 square kilometers) 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 (about 4 square kilometers) in 1808.
In the fall of 1809, Prendergast and his employee, John Blowers, built the first log cabin in Jamestown. More log cabins, mills, and a dam were built later. These were located on the Chadakoin River. In 1855, a night watch was created to look out for fires.
Jamestown became a village in 1827. It officially became a city on April 19, 1886. Oscar F. Price was elected as the first mayor on April 13, 1886. James Murray became the first Chief of Police. He led a team of six police officers.
In 1887, the Jamestown Electric Light and Power Company started. Also, Art Metal and WCA Hospital were established. In 1888, the Jamestown Woolen Spinning Co. was created. The first stone for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church was laid. In 1889, the American Aristotype Co. began. The first electric trolley car appeared in Jamestown in 1890. In 1891, a fire destroyed the Old Homestead Hotel. Four people died in the fire. But the James Prendergast Library and the Municipal Light Plant were also started that year.
In 1892, Chautauqua Worsted mills was founded. In 1893, Jamestown Veneer Works started. Jamestown's first ice cream company also began making Collins Ice Cream. In 1895, the first stone for City Hall was laid. The city council decided to stop using wooden sidewalks. Eleazer Green was elected mayor that same year. In 1896, Empire Worsted Mills was formed. In 1898, Chautauqua Towel Mills opened. In 1899, Henry H. Cooper was elected mayor.
Jamestown in the 20th Century
In 1900, Tinkham Brothers started their business. The Furniture Index was published. The Hall Textile Corporation was also formed. In 1903, Jamestown bought a water system. The J.P. Danielson Tool Co. was organized. In 1906, James L. Weeks was elected mayor. In 1907, the Crescent Tool Company 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 began that year.
In 1910, work started on Jamestown General Hospital. It is still standing today. In 1911, the Norden Club was started. On August 6, the famous actress Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown. The first airplane flew over Jamestown on September 28, 1911. The Norden Clubhouse was finished in 1914. On April 8, 1917, Company E left for guard duty. The Emerson Glass Company started that same year. In 1918, Jamestown Corp. was formed to make airplane propellers. A steamship, the City of Pittsburgh, sank at the Boatlanding in 1918.
In 1921, the Zonta Club was organized. In 1925, the Hotel Samuels was sold. The Scottish Rite Temple formally opened that year. Taxpayers voted for a $350,000 bond for the Third Street Bridge. The Third Street Bridge was completed the next year. It is still used today. In 1927, Jamestown celebrated 100 years since it became a village. Lars Larson was elected mayor that year. In 1930, Samuel A. Carlson served as mayor again. In 1931, a fire destroyed the old Martyn Factory. The city also bought the Niagara, Lockport and Ontario Power Company.
In 1932, construction began for the new armory. The Erie Railroad station was dedicated. The Community Chest was permanently formed. In 1933, Elk Furniture Company was sold. Milton Carlson and Frederick Larson took over Jamestown Airport. The board of education took ownership of the school forest. Also in 1933, city councilman Leon F. Roberts was elected mayor. In 1934, Jamestown Airport Corp. offered an airport to the city. The city used the old armory as a relief center. As part of The New Deal, work started on a new high school. This provided jobs during the Great Depression.
In 1935, the Board of Education opened a new industrial arts building. The City Council approved $314,000 for an airport on North Main Street. In November, Jamestown High School was officially dedicated. In 1937, the Temple Hesed Abraham was dedicated. The Alfred Collegiate Extension Center opened with 80 students. In 1938, Kevin McElrath became mayor. Jamestown General Hospital's maternity annex opened. In 1939, twelve local plans were surveyed by the government. They were to produce supplies during wartime. The city's new airport was also officially dedicated.
In 1940, PONY league baseball began. Company E was inducted into federal service. In 1941, Jamestown Municipal Stadium was dedicated. Samuel A. Stroth was elected mayor. In 1942, East Second Street was widened. Flames destroyed the old state armory. In 1945, a tornado hit Jamestown. In 1946, Dr. Carlyle C. Ring was named superintendent of schools. C.C. Ring Elementary School is named in his honor today. In 1950, Jamestown Community College opened.
In 1951, Stanley A. Weeks was elected mayor. An addition to the municipal power plant was opened. In 1954, Samuel A. Stroth was elected mayor again. Allegheny Airlines began east-west flights through Jamestown. In 1955, Carl F. Sanford was elected mayor. In 1956, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz visited Jamestown. In 1957, a $400,000 runway improvement was added to Jamestown Municipal Airport. In 1958, a new sewage disposal plant opened. The Buffalo Street pumping station was updated. A new wing opened at Jamestown General Hospital. In 1959, Jamestown's new post office was started. In 1960, Jamestown celebrated 150 years since the first house was built there. That same year, Mohawk Airlines started serving Jamestown.
In 1961, Jamestown Community College moved to its new Falconer Street campus. William D. Whitehead was elected mayor. In 1963, the city's first parking ramp opened. Frederick H. Dunn was elected mayor. Grandin Mills on Allen Street was destroyed by fire. Singer Natalie Merchant was born in Jamestown. In 1964, the Washington Street Bridge was completed. In 1967, an addition to Jamestown High School was finished. Jamestown Community College opened a new Science and Engineering Building. Charles B. Magnuson was elected mayor that year. In 1968, an addition to the James Prendergast Free Library was completed. In 1969, the Cherry Street parking ramp opened. Passenger train service to Jamestown stopped the next year. Stanley N. Lundine was elected mayor. The New Gustavus Adolphus Children's Home opened. In 1970, the Brooklyn Square Urban Renewal Project was finally approved.
Throughout the 1970s, many homes and stores in Brooklyn Square were moved. A second Urban Renewal Project began in 2007. Jamestown has hosted thirteen Babe Ruth World Series events since 1980. It hosted the 13-Year-Old Babe Ruth World Series in 2008. The James Prendergast Library has often been ranked among the top libraries in the nation. It serves populations of 25,000-49,999. Its highest ranking was fourth in 2004.
Jamestown in the 21st Century
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On August 1, 2018, Jamestown opened the National Comedy Center. This center became the official National Comedy Center. It received this special title from Congress.
Jamestown Geography
Jamestown is about 71 miles (114 km) southwest of Buffalo. It is 158 miles (254 km) north of Pittsburgh. It is also 145 miles (233 km) northeast of Cleveland.
The Chadakoin River flows through Jamestown. Jamestown also borders Chautauqua Lake.
Jamestown Climate
Jamestown has a humid continental climate. This means it has cold and snowy winters. 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. There were 13,558 households and 7,904 families. The city had about 3,534 people per square mile (1,365 per square kilometer). Most people (91.52%) were White. About 3.39% were African American.
Historically, Jamestown had many people of Italian or Swedish background. About half of the population was Italian, and half was Swedish. Jamestown's strong heritage is shown at the local museum, The Fenton History Center. It has both a Swedish Room and an Italian Room.
About 29.4% of households had children under 18. About 39.1% were married couples. The average household had 2.29 people. The average family had 2.94 people. The median age in the city was 36 years old.
Jamestown Economy
The Jamestown area has some large factories. These factories are major employers. The area was once known as the "furniture capital of the world." This was because of its many furniture and brass hardware makers.
UPMC Chautauqua is a regional hospital. It started as WCA Hospital in 1885. It used to have a nursing school. Now, Jamestown Community College offers a two-year nursing program. UPMC Chautauqua also has schools for Medical Technology and Radiology Technology. Jamestown General Hospital is also part of UPMC Chautauqua. It has mental health and physical rehab units.
Chautauqua County has about 2,200 farms. Milk is its main farm product. But Chautauqua County also produces the most wine and jelly grapes in New York State. The area grows a lot of Concord grapes. It is one of the largest producers in the nation, after California.
Cummins - Jamestown Engine Plant (JEP) is a big employer. It is located six miles outside of Jamestown in Busti. It has over 1,500 employees. They make heavy-duty diesel engines. These engines are used for farming, industry, and military purposes.
Arts and Culture in Jamestown
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Museums and Centers
- The Fenton History Center is in the former Gov. Reuben Fenton Mansion. It is named for Reuben Fenton, who was the 25th Governor of New York.
- The Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center celebrates the city's most famous person, Lucille Ball. A ceremony was held there for what would have been Ball's 100th birthday in August 2011. The Washington Street Bridge was rebuilt and renamed the Lucy Desi Bridge.
- The Jamestown Gateway Train Station is located at 211-217 West Second Street in downtown Jamestown.
- The National Comedy Center opened on August 1, 2018. It holds the personal collections of famous comedians. These include George Carlin, Shelley Berman, and the Smothers Brothers.
- The Robert H. Jackson Center works to keep the memory of Robert H. Jackson alive. It teaches about justice and fairness. It focuses on the Nuremberg Trials.
- The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History continues the work of Roger Tory Peterson. It promotes learning about nature. It helps people appreciate and care for the natural world.
Sports in Jamestown
Jamestown was home to the Jamestown Jammers baseball team. They were part of the New York–Penn League. After the 2014 season, the Jammers moved away. But a new team in the Prospect League (now Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League) replaced them. This new team kept the Jammers name. The Jammers played in Jamestown until 2019. Then the team moved to Milwaukee, WI. However, the team was given to Jamestown Community Baseball, LLC. It has been owned by the community since then. The team now plays as the Tarp Skunks.
The Jamestown Jackals are a professional basketball team. They play in The Basketball League (TBL). Kayla Crosby, from Jamestown, started the team in 2015. The team plays its games at Jamestown Community College. The team gained national attention in 2021. This was from a GQ story about Anthony Estes. He went from being homeless to playing professional basketball with the Jackals.
Northwest Arena is an ice arena in the city. It has 1,900 seats. Many hockey teams have played there. These include the Jamestown Rebels and Jamestown Ironmen. The Jamestown Rebels started playing there again in 2018.
Jamestown High School's boys and girls basketball teams have won many titles. The football team has been to five New York State Championships. They won in 1994, 1995, 2000, and 2014.
Jamestown hosted its 15th Babe Ruth World Series in August 2011. Jamestown also hosted three exhibition games. These were before the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Shopping in Jamestown
Chautauqua Mall is in nearby Lakewood. Most of Jamestown's large stores are just outside the city limits. They are in Lakewood and West Ellicott. This area is known as Jamestown West.
Education in Jamestown
Colleges and Universities
Jamestown Community College offers two-year degrees. It also has agreements with universities for four-year degrees. New buildings on campus include a modern science building and three dorms. Jamestown Business College, near downtown, now offers a four-year degree. However, Jamestown Business College will close in February 2025.
Local Schools
Jamestown Public Schools started in 1867. It is the city's only school district. The district also includes some nearby towns. Jamestown Public Schools include:
- Jamestown High School
- Three middle schools: Persell Middle School, George Washington Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson Middle School.
- Five elementary schools: Lincoln, Fletcher, Clinton V Bush, CC Ring, and Love elementary schools.
The former Rogers Elementary School is now a Success Academy. It is for selected students in the Jamestown area. A disciplinary Tech Academy is also part of the school system. It is located on Fourth Street.
The "Red Raider" Marching Band has won the NY State Field Band Conference Championship multiple times. They won in 2014, 2015, and 2018.
Media in Jamestown
Radio Stations
The following radio stations are in Jamestown or nearby:
- WJTN – 1240 AM – plays classic adult contemporary music.
- WKSN – 1340 AM – plays oldies music.
- WUBJ – 88.1 FM – NPR news/talk.
- WYRR – 88.9 FM – religious radio.
- WNJA – 89.7 FM – plays classical music.
- WCGN – 90.9 FM – plays contemporary Christian music.
- WWSE – 93.3 FM – plays hot adult contemporary music.
- WLKW – 95.3 FM – plays contemporary Christian music.
- W262BX – 100.3 FM – plays country music.
- WHUG – 101.9 FM – plays country music.
- WOGM-LP – 104.7 FM – religious radio.
- WKZA – 106.9 FM – plays contemporary hit radio.
- WRFA-LP – 107.9 FM – community radio.
Television and News
WNYB, channel 26, is the only TV station licensed to Jamestown. It broadcasts a national Christian TV feed. WNY News Now, based in Jamestown, has a daily local newscast online.
Newspapers
The daily newspaper The Post-Journal is published in Jamestown. Free weekly papers include the Jamestown Pennysaver, the Chautauqua Star, and the Jamestown Gazette.
Transportation in Jamestown
Air Travel
The Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport (JHW) is north of the city. It offers charter air service.
Bus Service
Bus service is provided by Coach USA of Erie. You can connect to Greyhound service in Buffalo. There is also a county-wide bus service called CARTS. Taxi services like Rainbow Cab and Uber are also available.
Train Service
Today, Jamestown is on the main line of the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad. This railroad provides freight service. There is a plan to connect this railroad to the New York and Lake Erie Railroad. This would allow for special train trips. Amtrak does not serve Jamestown directly. However, Coach USA provides bus service to connect Amtrak passengers to the Buffalo train station.
Until 1950, two railroad companies went through Jamestown:
- Erie Railroad – Its main line passed through Jamestown.
- Jamestown, Westfield and Northwestern Railroad – This company had freight and passenger trains. It stopped operating in 1950.
The Erie Railroad's old Jamestown Station still exists. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. It is now part of the National Comedy Center.
Major Roads
The Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86/Route 17) runs north and east of 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 the research lab for General Electric Company
Entertainment and Arts
- Douglas Ahlstedt, opera singer
- Theodore Albrecht, music historian
- Brad Anderson, cartoonist
- Mitchell Anderson, actor
- Marshall Arisman, illustrator
- Fred Ball, movie studio executive and actor, brother of Lucille Ball
- Lucille Ball, famous actress, comedian, and businesswoman; born in Jamestown
- Suzan Ball, actress and cousin of Lucille and Fred Ball
- Rob Buck, founding member of the band 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 known for studying squirrels
- Gilbert Dennison Harris, geologist
- Hayward A. Harvey, inventor of the Harvey process
- 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
- Wilfred Beaver, World War I flying ace
- John B. Hayes, retired US Coast Guard Admiral
- Harriet L. Leete, Red Cross nurse in World War I
Science and Technology
- Louis W. Roberts, microwave physicist
Sports Stars
- 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 for the Chicago Bears
- Parke H. Davis, football player and coach
- Michael G. Foster, karate pioneer
- Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner, born and raised in Jamestown
- 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 for the Philadelphia Eagles
Sister Cities
Jamestown is connected with these cities around the world:
See also
In Spanish: Jamestown (Nueva York) para niños
