Jamestown in Tuolumne County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Jamestown

Also Called Jimtown

— Mark Twain Bret Harte Trail —

Jamestown Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 9, 2013

1. Jamestown Marker

Inscription. Known as gateway of Mother Lode and to southern mines, gold first discovered in Tuolumne County west of this point at Woods Creek by James Woods shortly before town was founded by Col. George James, August 8, 1848. Large quantities of gold recovered from streambeds and gulches during “Gold Rush.” Surrounded by famous mines from which millions were extracted in later years. First mercantile business in Southern mines said to have been in Butterfield Building, built in 1850, still standing (1948).

Erected 1948 by California Centinal Commission. (Marker Number 431.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Features • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 8, 1848.

Location. 37° 57.106′ N, 120° 25.427′ W. Marker is in Jamestown, California, in Tuolumne County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Donovan Street on Main Street. Marker is on Northeast corner of intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jamestown CA 95327, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jamestown Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Emporium – 1897

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); National Hotel (about 400 feet away); St. James Church (about 400 feet away); Ramirez – Preston Building (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Jamestown (about 600 feet away); Jamestown Museum (about 600 feet away); Rocca Park (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jamestown.

More about this marker. In 1949 this was designated California Historical Landmark No. 431.

Regarding Jamestown. The Butterfield Building mentioned in marker text was located at 18138 Main Street. It served as a general store until 1919; in 1939 it was the Mines Supply Company and then burned down in 1965.

Additional keywords. “Jimtown”, Railtown-1896 State Historic Park, California Gold Rush

Photographed by Leticia A. Kohnen, July 20, 2007

2. Jamestown Marker

July 27, 2010

3. Jamestown Marker

Downtown Jamestown image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Leticia A. Kohnen, July 20, 2007

4. Downtown Jamestown

July 27, 2010

5. Jamestown Marker

Next to the bush at left.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. This page has been viewed 4,104 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 26, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 2. submitted on September 4, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. 3. submitted on July 27, 2010. 4. submitted on September 4, 2007, by Mathew H. Kohnen of San Jose, California. 5. submitted on July 27, 2010. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.