Jamestown is a city in Stutsman County, North Dakota in the United States. It is the county seat of Stutsman County. The population was 15,527 at the 2000 census, making it the seventh largest city in North Dakota. Jamestown was founded in 1872.
Jamestown has a strong precision manufacturing base as well as food processing, agriculture, retail and wholesale businesses. Notable companies headquartered in Jamestown include Agri-Cover, Inc., Dura Tech Industries, Midwestern Machine, Cavendish Farms and UTC Aerospace Systems. Jamestown offers attractions such as the Frontier Village, Stutsman County Memorial Museum, Fort Seward, St. James Basilica, Alfred Dickey Public Library, 1883 Stutsman County Courthouse, and much more. Jamestown also offers a wonderful outdoors experience with camping, fishing, challenging trails, and so much more.
The White Buffalo, the World's Largest Buffalo scuplture, and the National Buffalo Museum is exactly why Jamestown, North Dakota is the "Buffalo City". The World's Largest Buffalo Monument stands watch over Jamestown, North Dakota. This 26-foot-tall, 60-ton concrete giant was built in 1959. Created by sculptor Elmer Petersen, this giant buffalo monument has been one of the midwest's most popular roadside attractions for over 50 years. The statue is a significant tourist draw for Jamestown and the source of its nickname, The Buffalo City. At the National Buffalo Museum you can go on a jurney through the history and the significance of the bison (American buffalo) with interpretive panels, artifacts and original artwork on display. The White Buffalo is held sacred by American Indian tradition. The White Buffalo Calf Woman Legend speaks of the history of an important peace pipe for the Lakota Nation. The herd owned by the National Buffalo Museum holds one of these rare creatures, Dakota Miracle. There are multiple locations to try to see this amazing animal, so don't be afraid to ask where he is roaming.
Jamestown was founded in 1872 and General Thomas Rosser of Northern Pacific named it after Jamestown, Virginia. The city incorporated in 1883. In 1873, Stutsman County became the first official county within Dakota Territory with Jamestown as the county seat. Jamestown grew as the railroad blazed a trail across the nation. Fort Seward was commissioned to protect the railroad workers in this endeavor. Pioneers raced to the area, and much of their history can be seen today at the Stutsman County Memorial Museum. The Frontier Village also pays homage to the spirit of these pioneers by recreating a poineer town.
North Dakota has produced great names in sports including Roger Maris, the home run king, and basketball coaching legend Phil Jackson. Housed in the Jamestown Civic Center, the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame features photographs and signed memorabilia of ND greats!