You may not know much about Jamestown, New York. This south-central small town in New York is not as populous as it once was, but it’s still quite charming and it’s a great place to visit. Many people don’t realize that it was also the birthplace of world-famous comedienne, actress, and producer Lucille Ball, and it’s also her final resting place. Read on to learn more about the wonders and allure of Jamestown.
Jamestown, New York is considered a city, but with a population of just over 28,000, it’s really a big small town.
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Way back in 1911, Lucille Ball was born here to Henry Durrell “Had” and Desiree Evelyn “DeDe” Ball. The family moved often during her childhood and left the area when Lucy was very small. However, after her father died at age 27 when she was just 3, she and her mother and siblings moved back to the general area to be near her mother’s family.
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum/Google Local
When Lucille Ball died in 1989, her cremated remains were first interred in Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Cemetery in Los Angeles. However, her family knew that she always wanted to be buried near her mother, so in 2002, her remains were relocated to Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown.
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Many people come to visit her grave in this very beautiful cemetery.
Lake View Cemetery Association/Google Local
Today, you can visit the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum & Center for Comedy in Jamestown. Also, Jamestown’s Little Theatre was renamed the Lucille Ball Little Theatre in her honor, and the street she was born on was renamed Lucy Street.
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Jamestown is a great place to visit even if you’re not a big Lucille Ball fan or if you are unfamiliar with her work. The downtown area is lined with many shops and restaurants.
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There are numerous abandoned buildings around town due to the population decline, but most are well-maintained. Jamestown residents take pride in their hometown.
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This railroad bridge was built more than 100 years ago to help keep traffic moving in a then-growing city. Today it’s a well-known landmark.
Jared Paxton/Google Local
The older architecture in Jamestown is striking. Locals have really tried to keep it looking just like it did long ago.
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St. Luke’s Episcopal Church has stood on Main Street since 1892. This church is an excellent example of Late Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival architecture. It replaced a former church in this location, built in 1854, that burned down.
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There are numerous historic sites to visit around town. The Robert H. Jackson Center was established to advance the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Jackson, who began his career in this area.
Robert H. Jackson Center/Google Local
Walking along the Jamestown Riverwalk is a great way to spend an afternoon at any time of year.
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Even though Jamestown can be quite cold in the wintertime, it’s still a great destination. People from Jamestown are friendly and welcoming and look forward to your visit.
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Some people may try to tell you that there is nothing to see or do in Jamestown, but those people are wrong. In fact, it’s impossible not to love this place. Plan your visit to this charming small town in New York today! You’ll be glad that you did.
David C Ramirez/Google Local
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum/Google Local
Linda DiDimizio/Flickr
Lake View Cemetery Association/Google Local
David Nichter/Google Local
RD Pace/Google Local
Jared Paxton/Google Local
Ryan Mori/Google Local
Dominic Kosciuk/Google Local
Robert H. Jackson Center/Google Local
T King/Google Local
Carin Whitaker/Google Local
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Address: Jamestown, NY 14701, USA
