November 19, 1900 – A fire destroyed “Hemlock Row” of bars along South Main Street in Jamestown, an area that had long been known for its social activity. This tragic event prompted the community to reevaluate its fire safety measures and sparked change in local urban planning.

November 14, 1896 – Celoron, a village beloved for its lakeside charm, was officially incorporated. The village soon blossomed into a vibrant community and popular summer destination, especially with the establishment of Celoron Park, which attracted thousands to its shores and added greatly ...

November 7, 1898 – Theodore Roosevelt made his first visit to Jamestown, where he likely made a strong impression on local residents. As a progressive leader and future president, his ideas and charisma were known to captivate audiences and would leave a lasting legacy on the region’s ...

November 6, 1899 – Willis Whitney received a deed for an artificial island called “The Crib” in Chautauqua Lake, marking a unique piece of local lore. Whitney, originally from Jamestown, went on to become a renowned chemist and established the General Electric Research Laboratories, ...

November 5, 1869 – The Great Fire in Sherman was a major disaster, damaging much of the town and forcing the community to rebuild. Fires like these were unfortunately common in 19th-century towns, often changing the landscapes of entire communities and prompting towns to establish stronger ...

October 29, 1891 – Dunkirk saw a transportation revolution when its first electric streetcar made its debut, enhancing local travel and modernizing public transportation. This step forward made the area one of the early adopters of electric streetcars, which became popular across the United States.