History of Williston, Vermont, USA

1774 - Thomas CHITTENDEN and Colonel Jonathan SPAFFORD were the first to establish settlements in Williston. They came together in May, 1774, and took up large tracts of land adjoining each other on the river.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886

1786 - The first town meeting of Williston was held on the 28th day of March, 1786, and was presided over by John CHAMBERLIN, moderator.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886

1791 - Population of Williston, Vermont - 471

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1800 - Population of Williston, Vermont - 836

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1800 (Williston) - The Congregational Church was organized on the 23d of January, 1800... Six days after the organization of the church Rev. Aaron C. COLLINS was installed its first pastor...
The Methodist Episcopal Church was also organized in 1800, under the pastorate of the Rev. Stephen RANDALL.

History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886

1810 - Population of Williston, Vermont - 1,185

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1820 - Population of Williston, Vermont - 1,246

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1825 Williston
There was only one village in the town. There were a good many taverns, a natural result of the geographical situation of the town on the old turnpike road, and as the center of a number of stage lines. Among the more prominent taverns were: one kept by Isaac FRENCH at what was called the Four Corners, in the western part of the town ; one kept on the opposite side of the street on the south side of the turnpike, by Calvin MORSE, the building still standing. These were both old fashioned, and managed to obtain their share of transient patronage. There were two taverns at the west end of the village, one kept by Epaphras HULL and the other by Mr. Arnold. Linus ATWATER had one in the center of the village. The site of the Methodist Church was then occupied by a large tavern kept by Benjamin GOING, and afterward by David FRENCH and others. It was called the Eagle Hall. Isaac MORTON kept a tavern on the road to Hinesburg, in the southwest part of the town. There were a number of... Read MORE...

1830 - Population of Williston, Vermont - 1,608

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1839 - Williston
Williston, Vermont
Chittenden county. This is an excellent farming town of a rich soil, with an uneven surface, but not mountainous. It is very productive of all the varieties common to a northern climate: its product of wool, in 1837, was 9,225 fleeces. Williston is watered by Onion river, and some smaller streams; but its water power is small. It is 27 miles W.N.W. from Montpelier and is bounded on the W. by Burlington. Population, 1830, 1,608.

Thomas Chittenden was the father of this town. He came here in 1774. He was a member of the convention, which, in 1777, declared Vermont an independent state, and was active in procuring its admission into the Union. When the Vermont Constitution was established, in 1778, Mr. Chittenden was selected as a candidate for governor; to which office he was annually elected, with the exception of one year, till his death in 1797. He was 67 years of age.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1840 - Population of Williston, Vermont - 1,554

A gazetteer of Vermont... by John Hayward Boston - Tappan, Whittemore, and Mason 1849

1844 (Williston) - The Universalist Society was organized in February, 1844, with a membership of fifty-one. The first pastor was the Rev. Eli BALLOU.

History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y. D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886

1849 - Williston
Chittenden Co. This is an excellent farming town, of a rich soil, with an uneven surface, but not mountainous. It is very productive of all the varieties common to a northern climate. Its product of wool, in 1837, was 9,225 fleeces.

Williston is watered by Winooski River and some smaller streams, but its water power is small.

Thomas Chittenden was the father of this town. He came here in 1774. He was a member of the convention, which, in 1777, declared Vermont an independent State, and was active in procuring its admission into the Union. When the Vermont Constitution was established, in 1778, Mr. Chittenden was selected as a candidate for governor, to which office he was annually elected, with the exception of one year, till his death, in 1797. He was sixty-seven years of age.

Boundaries. North by Winooski River, which separates it from Essex, east by Jericho and Richmond, south by St. George, and west by Muddy Brook, which separates it from Burlington.

First Minister.... Read MORE...

1854 - Williston
Williston, a post-township in Chittenden- co., Vermont, intersected by the Vermont Central railroad, 30 miles W. N. W. from Montpelier. The village contains 2 or 3 churches, a town house, and an academy. Population, 1669.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1862-63 - WHITCOMB & FAY's steam mill at North Williston was originally established by Hiram J. FAY, in 1862 or 1863.
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886

1868 - The North Williston cheese factory was erected in 1868 by E. R. CRANE and Mr. BROWN
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886

1872 - The North Williston machine shop, started by R. B. FAY, E. F. WHITCOMB and Addison M. FORD in 1872...
History of Chittenden County, Vermont With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers
Edited By W. S. Rann, Syracuse, N. Y.
D. Mason & Co., Publishers, 1886

1886 - Williston
THIS town, lying in the central part of Chittenden county, and bounded north by Winooski River, which separates it from Essex and Jericho, east by Richmond, south by St. George and Shelburne, and west by Muddy Brook, which separates it from Burlington, was chartered by Governor Wentworth, of New Hampshire, on the 7th of June, 1763, to Samuel WILLIS and sixty-four associates. It derived its name from Mr. WILLIS, who seemed to be one of the most prominent among the grantees. The charter purported to grant 23,040 acres, the regular area of a complete township, in seventy-one shares, bounded as follows: North by Winooski River, east by Bolton, south by Huntington and Hinesburg, and west by Burlington, whose eastern line was about one mile west of the site of Williston village. On the 27th of October, 1794, these limits were altered by annexation from Burlington of the land lying east of Muddy Brook, and the taking of the eastern portion of Williston towards the formation of Richmond. The... Read MORE...

1895 - Williston
Williston, a post-village in Williston township, Chittenden co., Vt., about 8 miles E.S.E. of Burlington, and 2 1/ 2 miles S.W. of Williston Station of the Central Vermont Railroad. It has 3 churches and an academy. The township is bounded on the N. by the Winooski River. Williston Station is at North Williston. Pop. of township, 1441.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Williston, a post-village in Williston township (town), Chittenden CO., Vt., about 8 miles ESE. of Burlington, near Williston station of the Central Vermont R. The town is bounded on the N. by the Winooski River. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1176.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1984 - Train Wreck
WORST AMTRAK CRASH BLAMED ON RAILBED WASHOUT.

Montpelier, Vt. (AP) - A wall of flood water 18 feet high probably caused a railbed washout that derailed a train and left five people dead and nearly 140 injured in the worst Amtrak accident in 13 years, safety officials say.

The tracks had been inspected the day before the Saturday morning wreck in Williston, according to local railroad officials, but a federal safety spokesman said tremendous pressure built up during overnight flooding had washed out a culvert underlying the track. The Amtrak Montrealer, carrying 278 people, toppled off the weakened tracks, tumbling cars into a ravine.

"The preliminary indication is that the high water mark (during a Friday night storm) was 18 feet .. within four feet of the track," said Ira Furman a spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board. "The hydraulic pressure was tremendous."

He said Sunday "it concerns us" that railroad officials had not ordered a special inspection of... Read MORE...

Williston is a charming town located in Chittenden County, and it offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and great dining options. Let's dive into some of the highlights:
1. Explore Lake Iroquois:
Lake Iroquois is a beautiful spot for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding during the summer months. There's a public beach area for picnicking and relaxation as well.

2. Catamount Outdoor Family Center:
This is a fantastic place for those who enjoy outdoor sports like mountain biking, trail running, and cross-country skiing. The center offers miles of well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels.

3. Muddy Brook Wetland Reserve:
For nature lovers, Muddy Brook Wetland Reserve is a must-visit. It's a serene spot for birdwatching and exploring wetland ecosystems. The walking trails are great for a leisurely stroll and wildlife observation.

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4. Williston Golf Club:
If you're into golf, the Williston Golf Club is a scenic 18-hole golf course with beautiful views of the surrounding area. It's a great place to tee off and enjoy the outdoors.

5. Shopping at Maple Tree Place:
Maple Tree Place is a... Read MORE...