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Jamestown, New York
Downtown Jamestown, viewed from Washington Street
Downtown Jamestown, viewed from Washington Street
Nickname(s): 
The Pearl City
Jamestown, New York is located in New York
Jamestown, New York
Jamestown, New York
Location in New York
Jamestown, New York is located in the United States
Jamestown, New York
Jamestown, New York
Location in the United States
Country United States
State New York
County Chautauqua
Founded 1810; 215 years ago (1810)
Incorporated (village) 1827; 198 years ago (1827)
Incorporated (city) April 19, 1886; 139 years ago (1886-04-19)
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)
 • 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 (PO box)
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.

History of Jamestown

How Jamestown Started

James Prendergast - Founder of Jamestown NY - 1900 illustration
James Prendergast, who founded Jamestown

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.

PostcardPrendergastLibraryJamestownNY19011907
The Prendergast Library, shown on a postcard from around 1901–1907

In 1895, the City Hall cornerstone was laid. The city council decided to stop using wooden sidewalks.

Jamestown in the 20th Century

PostcardErieRRStaJamestownNY1909
Erie Railroad Station, 1909 postcard

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.

East Second Street, Jamestown, NY
East Second Street, around 1910

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

Downtown Jamestown, NY (2)
Downtown Jamestown in winter

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

Swedish goods for sale - Jamestown, NY
Swedish goods for sale in 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

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

Jamestown, New York (4303088285)
The Lucille Ball Little Theatre in Ball's hometown of Jamestown
  • 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

Russell Diethrick Park from grandstand
Russell Diethrick Park, home of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks

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

Lucille Ball - Downtown Jamestown, NY
Painting of Lucille Ball on downtown Jamestown parking garage

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

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

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