Jamestown in Chautauqua County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Before White Men Came

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013

1. Before White Men Came Marker

Inscription. Before white men came to this area the Indians blazed a trail between Lake Erie and Lake Chautauqua over which they, early explorers and settlers, portaged their canoes. At the Chadakoin River rapids the canoe was portaged again. Here is where the explorers rested and started a settlement which is now the City of Jamestown.
This bronze sculpture, symbolic of the portage, was presented to the city on Sept. 29, 1971 by the Rotary Club of Jamestown, New York.

This plaque commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Rotary Club in Jamestown, being chartered on June 17, 1919. On this occasion we rededicate ourselves to fulfilling the Rotary International motto: "Service Above Self."

Erected 1994 by Rotary Club of Jamestown, New York.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1796.

Location. 42° 5.657′ N, 79° 14.418′ W. Marker is in Jamestown, New York, in Chautauqua County. It can be reached from the intersection of South Main Street and Shearman Place, on the right when traveling

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north. Marker is located at the base of the sculpture. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jamestown NY 14701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Western New York,

and in the Southern Tier.

It is also in the American Northeast,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Keelboat Landing (a few steps from this marker); First Train (within shouting distance of this marker); Policeman George Kendall (within shouting distance of this marker); First Grist Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Store (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blackstone Corporation (about 300 feet away); First Woolen Mill (about 400 feet away); Birmingham Auto (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jamestown.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, April 21, 2013

2. Before White Men Came Marker

At base of sculpture

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 986 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2013, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.