Jamestown, CA

Jamestown California

 Early in the days of the California Gold Rush, this area was called Woods Crossing, The area now known as Jamestown was the site of the first gold discovery for Tuolumne County in June of 1848. Col. George James arrived the following Spring and treated all with champagne....they loved him and renamed the town in his honor, and he became the alcade (chief judicial officer).

   When Col. James fell upon hard times, he left the Jamestown area with debts outstanding to many of the townspeople. They were understandably upset by this and tried to change the name to American Camp. However, the post office had already been approved for Jamestown and the renaming attempt failed.

 As placer gold became more scarce in the Jamestown area, panning became less profitable. Eventually these operations were replaced with lode mines which continue near here today. Jamestown is affectionately called "Jimtown" by Jamestown residents.

Thanks to George for contributing to this Jamestown history page.

see also...
Jamestown CA Hotels

From Jamestown:

Sonora
4 miles N. on CA 49

Groveland
6 miles S. on CA 49
15 miles E. on CA 120

Yosemite
6 miles S. on CA 49
45 miles E. on CA 120
Yosemite Hotels

Sacramento
57 miles N. on CA 49
29 miles W. on CA 16

San Francisco
30 miles S. on CA 49
35 miles W. on CA 120
60 miles W. I-205 to I-80

Lake Tahoe
10 miles N. on CA 49
87 miles E. on CA 4
14 miles N. on CA 88
13 miles N. on US 395
12 miles SE. on US 50

Jamestown CA
Jamestown California