Jamestown, California: Home of Railtown 1897 State Historic Park

Jamestown, once a thriving gold mining town, is today a census-designated place in Tuolumne County, California, located near New Melones Lake. It lies approximately 102 miles southeast of Sacramento and 46 miles northeast of Modesto. The town is known for its proximity to major natural areas, including Stanislaus National Forest and Eldorado National Forest, while Yosemite National Park is located about 48 miles from Jamestown.

One of Jamestown’s main attractions is Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, located at 10501 Reservoir Road. This heritage railway preserves an important part of California’s railroad history and offers train rides through the region once known as Gold Country.

Jamestown was designated a California Historical Landmark on March 16, 1949. The town is especially famous for Sierra Railway No. 3, often referred to as the “Movie Star” locomotive, which is preserved at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Over the years, it has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Bonanza (1972), The Long Riders (1980), Little House on the Prairie (1975–1983), Back to the Future Part III (1990), Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992), and Bad Girls (1994).

In addition to its railway heritage, Jamestown is home to several historic buildings. The Emporium, located at 735 Main Street, was built in 1897 and designed by C. H. Wilson in the Late Victorian architectural style. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on February 17, 1978, and is also recognized as a California Historical Landmark.

Jamestown is accessible via California State Route 49, which runs through the heart of California’s historic Gold Rush region.