General Info
Williams County was first established in 1891 and named in honor of politician Erastus Appleman Williams, a former mayor of Bismarck. Williston was selected as the county seat and railroad expansion prompted growth. Settlers were attracted to the rolling hills, fertile soil and access to water. Agriculture dominated early industry as residents farmed wheat, potatoes and cattle. The discovery of lignite allowed for an expansion in the mining industry. The county is now one of the largest in North Dakota with an area spanning over 3,000 square miles. Today Williams County is home to approximately 22,398 residents.
