Jamestown is best known for its rich heritage as the first French Huguenot settlement on the Santee River beginning in 1685, although the present-day town was only incorporated in 1957. In fact, the region around the Jamestown settlement became known as the French Santee. Every year Jamestown holds the Hell Hole Swamp Festival on the first full weekend in May. It is a family event with children's games, arm wrestling, beauty contests, horseshoe pitching, softball tournament, a parade, talent contest, exhibits, and arts and crafts.