Jamestown, Saint Helena

capital of Saint Helena

Jamestown is a harbour and the capital of the British island of Saint Helena. It was founded in 1659 by the East India Company. It's also famous for being the place where the famous French emperor, Napoleon lived when he was exiled to St. Helena. The town has a population of about 1,000 people.

Jamestown
View of the harbor of Jamestown (1970)
View of the harbor of Jamestown (1970)
Coordinates: 15°55′28″S 5°43′05″W / 15.92444°S 5.71806°W / -15.92444; -5.71806
CountrySaint Helena
Founded1659
Population
 • Total1,000 (est)

The town's most known feature is Jacob's Ladder. It is a walkway up the mountains with 699 steps. The ladder was built in 1829 to connect Jamestown to the military base on Ladder Hill. The ladder is very popular with tourists. It is beautifully lit at night. Each year, people come from all over the world to take part in a timed run up the ladder.

Many buildings in the city are built out of volcanic rock from the local area. The town is has a church, and port for unloading items delivered to the island.

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