 Jamestown is the county seat of Russell County. It was incorporated on December 12, 1827. It is located 23 miles southeast of Columbia, 18 miles northwest of Monticello, 43 miles southeast of Lebanon, and about 96 miles south of Frankfort and had a population of 67. Jamestown was first known as Jacksonville in honor of Andrew Jackson. However, when the Whigs came into power in 1826, they changed the name to
Jamestown, because they resented the tribute to their opponent. Jamestown was named in honor of James Wooldridge, who donated 110 acres of land for the town site. There were many old clapboard log houses of historic interest in Jamestown. Among the most outstanding were the J.R. McFarland House and the Otha Wells House, two of the oldest structures in the town. An interesting event of the town was an annual community singing contest which was held in the courthouse
on the last Sunday in August.Also, of historic interest, near Jamestown was the Greasy Creek Woolen Mill and the old water-powered mill that manufactured cloth and knitting yarns. Many farmers would bring their fleece to be processed here, paying for the work with part of the wool. Nearby, also, was the Karnes Gristmill, which was typical of four that had operated in this county since before the Civil War.
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