Williams is the city that is known as the Gateway to the Grand Canyon. The Santa Fe Railroad laid tracks from Williams to the Grand Canyon in 1901 and began hauling tourists to the South Rim, giving Williams a legitimate claim to that honor. Williams continues to prosper with the reopening of passenger rail service to the Grand Canyon.

The first settlers arrived in Williams in 1876, but nothing much happened until the railroad arrived on September 1, 1882. After that, the two most important industries in the mountain settlement were cattle and lumber.

Located about 40 miles west of Flagstaff, Williams takes its name from Bill Williams Mountain which towers above the town. The mountain is named for Old Bill Williams, said to be the greatest fur trapper of ‘em all.