Williams Arizona
Williams, at an elevation of 6,770 feet, is located in Coconino County, Arizona. It is in the heart of Kaibab National Forest. It was founded in 1880 and named after “old Bill Williams (1787-1849),” a famous trapper, scout and mountain man. Evidently, the large mountain on the south of the town was also named Bill Williams Mountain. A statue of “Old Bill” is posted at the Monument Park located at the west side of the city.
Williams was also known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon®” because it was the last town in the U.S. on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed on October 13, 1984 by Interstate 40. It still continues to thrive on tourism since it boasts of a rich heritage that features the “Old West.”. Six square blocks is covered by the Historic Downtown District which includes the Grand Canyon Railway Depot and Hotel.
As of 2003, the population of Williams is 2,959.
