About Jamestown

Located in southwestern New York between Lake Erie and the Allegheny National Forest, Jamestown is the largest city in Chautauqua County. Jamestown was purchased in 1806 by James Prendergast, for whom the area is named, and first settled in 1809 when Prendergast and John Blowers, an employee, built the first structure in Jamestown: a log cabin. By 1827, Jamestown was incorporated as a village and by 1886, as a city.

Jamestown’s proximity to Chautauqua Lake and Lake Erie provides residents with abundant water-based recreational activities alongside other outdoor recreation opportunities such as skiing, biking, and hiking. Shopping in Jamestown is convenient with Chautauqua Mall and various additional retail stores throughout the area.

Other places of interest in Jamestown include the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, a multi-purpose arena that hosts concerts, sporting events, and festivals year round, and also attracts people from all over New York and Pennsylvania; the Fenton History Center, named after the 25th governor of New York, Reuben Fenton; the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum; the Jamestown Gateway Train Station; and a National Comedy Center, which is to be completed and open in 2017. Jamestown is the birthplace of Lucille Ball, the noted actress, comedian, studio executive and producer.

For transportation, Jamestown has the Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport, bus service through Coach USA of Erie, county-wide bus service (CARTS), and the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad for freight service. Fairmount Avenue is the main street that runs through Jamestown.

Jamestown offers high-quality educational institutions such as Jamestown Community College and Jamestown Business College. Public schools in Jamestown consist of six elementary schools, three middle schools, and Jamestown High School. In 2014, the Red Raider Marching Band of Jamestown High School won the New York State Field Band Conference Championship; the band also consistently places in the top ten at Bands of America competitions and played at the 2004 FedEx Orange Bowl and the Citrus Bowl of 2007.

Looking for homes for sale in Jamestown? Our Jamestown/Lakewood real estate office is knowledgeable about the area and ready to help.