RV Rental Jamestown, TN

Explore Jamestown, Tennessee in an RVshare Rental

Jamestown lies in Fentress County, with a population of 1,959. It was established as the county seat in 1823 and was incorporated as a city in 1837. Both Jamestown and Fentress County are named after James Fentress, a local politician. He appealed for the new county to be formed out of Morgan and Overton Counties.

Jamestown was created on land that was once a Cherokee village. The Native American tribes took advantage of the multiple rock shelters found here. The area of Jamestown was first called “Sand Springs” because of an abundance of bubbling springs. The last of these springs is found in Mark Twain City Park. This spring provided water to Mark Twain’s home before his father, John Clemens, moved his family to Missouri. John Clemens was the county’s first circuit court clerk, and he drew the plans for the first jail and courthouse.

During the Civil War, four Confederate army companies and three Union companies came out of Fentress County. Sargeant Alvin C. York, a war hero during WWI, was raised in Fentress County. He built the high school in Jamestown, which is now called the Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute. 

Today, visitors to Jamestown can enjoy great outdoor spaces like Picket CCC Memorial Park. This park boasts 20,000 acres that include a small lake, a museum, and 50 miles of hiking trails. Ye Ole Jail Historic Museum allows you to explore the history of the county jail that served the area from 1900 to 1979. Highland Manor Winery is Tennessee’s oldest winery. They have 14 varieties of wine to taste and purchase, and they offer free tours of the facility.

Upcoming Events in Jamestown, Tennessee

• Fentress County Fair - This August event includes children’s activities, agricultural exhibits, rides, entertainment, and animals.

• The World’s Largest Yard Sale - This August event encompasses several miles of yard sales along the Highway 127 corridor.

• Spring Motorcycle and ATV Flat Track and TT Racing - This May event is held at the Fentress County Fairgrounds in Jamestown. It features a variety of motorcycle and ATV classes competing.