Jamestown's founder, James Prendergast, built the town's first dam and sawmill in 1811, taking advantage of the vast white pine forests on the hills overlooking the southeast tip of Chautauqua Lake. By the mid-1800s Jamestown was one of the state's leading producers of furniture and wood products. Locally produced “pearl ash” was used to make glass, and the town was nicknamed Pearl City.
Things to do in Jamestown
Desilu Playhouse
Desilu Playhouse includes full-size replicas of three television studio sets from the I Love Lucy shows as well as memorabilia related to the series. Ongoing showings of popular episodes also are featured. Call (716) 484-0800 for more information.
2 W. Third St., Jamestown, NY 14701
Fenton History Center Museum & Library
The 1863 Italianate mansion of former New York Gov. Reuben E. Fenton features a restored Renaissance Revival drawing room, rooms depicting the Victorian and settlement periods, changing topical exhibits and a reference/genealogy library. An annual holiday exhibit highlights historic and ethnic observances and celebrations. Call (716) 664-6256 for more information.
67 Washington St., Jamestown, NY 14701
Lucy-Desi Museum
The Lucy-Desi Museum celebrates the lives and entertainment careers of Jamestown-native Lucille Ball and her co-star husband Desi Arnaz through interactive displays, personal belongings and video screenings. Call (716) 484-0800 for more information.
212 Pine St., Jamestown, NY 14701
Robert H. Jackson Center
Robert H. Jackson Center preserves documents, artifacts and historical memorabilia related to the life and works of United States Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, who served as the lead American prosecutor during the Nuremberg trials of Nazi war criminals. Exhibits are housed in an elegant 1858 Italianate mansion furnished with antiques. Call (716) 483-6646 for more information.
305 E. Fourth St., Jamestown, NY 14701
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, 311 Curtis St., is a national center for nature education named for the award-winning naturalist and author of a popular series of natural history field guides. Featured are nature exhibits as well as wildlife art and photography. Trails and a butterfly garden are on the 27 wooded acres. Call (716) 665-2473 for more information.
311 Curtis St., Jamestown, NY 14701