Jamestown is a historic city located in southern Chautauqua County, New York. It’s location in Western New York has the city situated between Lake Erie to the northwest and the Allegheny National Forest to the south. According to the 2014 U.S. Census, Jamestown, NY has a population of approximately 30,429, making it the largest city in Chautauqua County. 

 

The city of Jamestown received its name from a man named James Prendergast. In 1806, James and his family purchased the area that is now known as Chautauqua County. He then went on to explore the area that is present-day Jamestown, NY. In 1809, Prendergast and a man named John  Blowers built a log cabin, which was the first building in Jamestown. In 1827, Jamestown was incorporated as a village. By April of 1886, Jamestown was officially incorporated as a city.  At one point, Jamestown, NY earned the nickname the “Furniture Capital of the World” because many people around the county would visit to attend furniture expositions at the Furniture Mart.