Chautauqua County, the western gateway to New York State, occupies the extreme southwest corner of our state. With its two cities, Jamestown and Dunkirk, its 27 towns, and 15 villages, it covers 1,065 square miles. Because of its six beautiful lakes and approximately 50 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, there is no place in the county more than 25 miles from open water.

Major Industries: Today, the manufacturing sector provides the base for the county's economy with important and growing contributions from the retail, service, and tourism sectors. Farming continues to contribute to the county's economy, as well as the associated food processing industry.

With 1557 commercial farms (1997), 15,500 acres of grapes, and eight wineries, Chautauqua County has more farms and produces more grapes than any other county in New York State. Businesses that are part of the Gernatt Family of Companies, one of New York State's largest producers of sand, gravel, asphalt, and cement, are located in Chautauqua County.

Land: Chautauqua County, in the southwestern corner of New York State, along the New York-Pennsylvania border, is the westernmost of New York's counties. Chautauqua Lake is located in the center of the county, and Lake Erie is its northern border. Part of the Eastern Continental Divide runs through Chautauqua County that drains into the Conewango Creek (including Chautauqua Lake) eventually empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

Education: Jamestown Community College has two campuses in the county at Jamestown and Dunkirk. The State University of New York at Fredonia is located in the northern part of the county. Jamestown Business College offers two year degrees, certificates, and a four year degree in Jamestown.

County Executive - Paul M. Wendel, Jr.

Chair, County Legislature - Pierre Chagnon

• Dunkirk, City of
• Jamestown, City of
• Arkwright, Town of
• Busti, Town of
• Carroll, Town of
• Celeron, Village of
• Charlotte, Town of
• Chautauqua, Town of
• Mayville, Village of
• Cherry Creek, Town of
  • Cherry Creek, Village of
• Dunkirk, Town of
• Ellery, Town of
  • Bemus Point, Village of
• Ellicott, Town of
• Ellington, Town of
• Falconer, Village of
• French Creek, Town of
• Gerry, Town of
• Hanover, Town of
• Silver Creek, Village of
• Harmony, Town of
• Kiantone, Town of
• Lakewood, Village of
• Mina, Town of
• North Harmony, Town of
• Panama, Village of
• Poland, Town of
• Pomfret, Town of
• Fredonia, Village of
• Portland, Town of
• Brocton, Village of
• Ripley, Town of
• Stockton, Town of
  • Cassadaga, Village of
• Westfield, Town of
• Westfield, Village of