Home

 

Williams, Arizona Fact Sheet

GATEWAY TO THE GRAND CANYON ®

 

 

Williams – Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce
Jan Shirley, Executive Assistant
200 West Railroad Ave.
Williams, AZ  86046
E-mail:  jshirley@williamschamber.com
Phone:  928.635.0273 X202
Fax:  928.635.1417
Toll Free:  800.863.0546

 

LOCATION:
Williams is located in the beautiful high country of Northern Arizona, on the top side of the Mogollon Rim. Williams is 30 miles West of Flagstaff just off I-40 on Route 66 (the Mother Road).  The Williams-Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce is located at 200 W. Railroad Ave., on the corner of Grand Canyon Blvd. and Railroad Ave. in the beautifully restored Santa Fe Freight Weigh Station, built in 1901.

 

 

DATE FOUNDED: 1881

 

DERIVATION OF NAME:
Williams was named after mountain man William Sherley Williams, who was an accomplished trapper and scout of the American South West in the 1820s and 1830s. Bill would brave the elements alone for many months at a time taking him to country where no white man had ever traveled. He learned many different Indian languages but in 1849, Ute Warriors in Colorado believing he had betrayed them, killed him. His burial site is unknown. During his life he talked of wanting to come back in his next life as an elk.

 

ELEVATION:
At an elevation of 6,780 ft, Williams is surrounded by high peaks such as Bill Williams Mt., Kendricks Mt., and Sitgreaves Mt. The highest peak in Arizona, Humphrey’s Peak (over 12,600 ft), is 30 miles away and can easily be seen from Williams.

 

AREA SIZE:
Williams is located in the Kaibab National Forest in 45 square miles of Ponderosa pines (Williams is in the largest stand of Ponderosa pine in the world), Pinion pine, white- barked “quaking” Aspen, Blue Spruce, and majestic Fir.  Lush fields with wildflowers in late spring and early summer abound throughout the Williams area. Williams is surrounded by many lakes wonderful for fishing and camping.

 

POPULATION:
Williams’ population is approximately 3150 in the city proper; but within a 20 mile radius, there are over 7,000 more citizens who work and shop in Williams.

 

AGE DEMOGRAPHICS:

 
CLIMATE:
Williams has a four-season climate. Summers are warm with an average high temperature of 83º in July and an average of 3 1/2 inches of rain in August.

 

The winter averages 75.8 inches of snowfall with daily highs of an average 44º and overnight lows of 21º. Crisp, colorful autumn and breezy spring weather is typical of the Williams area.

 

TEMPERATURE:

 

YEARLY PRECIPITATION:
Average yearly precipitation is 21.21 total inches per year of precipitation with an average of 120 inches in the form of snow.

 

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Williams is the Gateway to the Grand Canyon® and also enjoys five area fishing lakes (Kaibab, White Horse, Dogtown, Cataract, and Santa Fe Dam.) Licenses are available over the counter at retail stores. Lake and water levels as well as fishing reports are available at the Visitor Center. There is seasonal hunting outside of Williams and tags are chosen lottery style. For more information, contact the Department of Game and Fish at the Flagstaff office at 928-774-5045.  Hiking and Biking in and around the hills of Williams can be quite a unique experience. We have many trails for the novice and very experienced.  Ask for the Williams Guidebook, written by Richard & Sherry Mangum, for detailed maps. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, over 60 miles away, can be seen from hillsides in the Williams area. For a great day out with the family, Alpine skiing and a snow play area is available at the Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation Area. For more information call 928.814.5038 or www.elkridgeski.com. To enjoy cross-country ski trails call the Williams and Forest Service Visitor Center at 928-635-4061 or 800-863-0546.

 

 

Nestled among the largest stand of Ponderosa pine trees in the world, Elephant Rocks Golf Course is one of Arizona’s “most exotic” golf courses as referenced by the Arizona Republic.  Golf Digest gave the course a three-star rating commenting “tell a friend it’s worth getting off the highway to play”. Brent Redman, golf pro, recently joined the team.  Brent was formerly a golf pro at D.C. Ranch Golf Course in Scottsdale.  For fees and tee times call 928-635-4935 or book your tee times on-line at www.elephant-rocks.com. 

 

 

 

ART AND CULTURE:
Williams has many local craftsmen and artists, including, Ray DeBerge of the DeBerge Western Wear and Leather Shop, one of the best and last saddle makers in Arizona.  Ray is not only a master leather smith but has many of his own paintings hanging in his Gallery. Drake Seaman, who lived many years in Williams, was a painter of fine Western Art.  His art is collected by many collectors of Western Art.  Bill Pettit was the sculptor of the Bill Williams Statue in Monument Park.  Mr. Pettit was part of the Cataract Creek Gang up until his death.  Williams’ “Western Culture” is enhanced by old-fashioned, small town, Cowpunchers Reunion Rodeos enjoyed during the summer at the Bob Dean Rodeo and Fairgrounds.  The first Labor Day PRCA Rodeo was in 1941 and Peggy Dean’s father Dutch Van Brunt won Best All-Around Cowboy.  The tradition continues today with Bob Dean.  The Williams Buckskinners gather into town every Memorial Day during our Rendezvous Days. The Bill Williams Mountain Men have ridden in many parades, including The Rose Parade and Presidential Inaugural Parade. This year (2007) marks the 54th Anniversary Ride for the Mountain Men as they make their way to the Valley of the Sun.  Armando Padilla started dancing the traditional dances of Mexico in 1975 and when he moved to Williams, he wanted to pass the traditions on to the young children. Armando started the Folklorico Dancers ten years ago, and it has been enjoyed by many locals and tourists. See Wild West Junction Museum, Saloon, and Shops.  Ask for Mike or Jay to give you the personal tour, including an issue of Chronicle of the Old West to catch you up on news way back when.  The Wild West Junction includes a museum, Quilter’s Mercantile, old photo shop, and old movie nights as well as cowboy trivia night.  Don’t miss this exhibit and experience if you want to learn about the Old West.  Wild West Junction also has special feature shows including Fine Art, Cowboy Poetry, and live entertainment. 

 

LOCAL DINING:
Williams has a plethora of dining establishments with tastes for all.  For a Western Experience, visit the Typhoon Saloon at Wild West Junction, featuring good grub and an awesome atmosphere. Enjoy home-style dining at Pine Country Restaurant and save room for their famous homemade pies, or Old Smokey’s has been a Williams’ tradition for many years. Enjoy great steaks, burgers, and BBQ at Cruisers’ Café 66, an old converted gas station and garage on Route 66.  Pancho McGillicuddy’s Mexican Cantina provides Southwestern cuisine that can be enjoyed either inside or out on the patio.  Pancho’s is in one of the oldest buildings in the Historic District and the movie, Thunder Run, was filmed there. You can twist and shout at Twister’s Soda Fountain while you sip on an old-fashioned soda or malt. Elvis did …and soon after wrote the song “Hunka, Hunka Burning Cheeseburger”.  Rod’s Steak House has been a Route 66 fixture for over 60 years and was featured in Gourmet Magazine in 2005 as well as in Arizona Highways.  Rosa’s Cantina is wonderful south of the border cuisine, including thirteen flavors of margaritas.  Doc Holliday’s Restaurant recently re-opened and has fine dining prepared impeccably by chefs from the Scottsdale Culinary School. Enjoy live entertainment the old western way.  We feature over twenty-six restaurants in the Williams area, and we have something for everyone. 

 

MOTELS/LODGES:
Williams has many hotels and motels ranging in price and style which include train cabooses at the Canyon Motel and a tepee at the Quality Inn Mountain Ranch Resort.  Experience the grand style and hospitality of a bygone era at the delightful Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Resort.  Here you can find the history of the famous Fred Harvey Restaurant which began serving meals to passengers traveling to and from California in 1887 on the Atlantic and Pacific railroads.  The meals were served in two freight cars parked on a siding.  From 1908 until it closed in 1954, the restaurant was at the train depot, and the room it occupied can still be seen today. The Travel Lodge, Best Western, Fairfield Inn by Marriot, and The Lodge on Route 66 and the Downtowner are some of the other hotels and motels that provide over 1512 guest rooms in Williams. Call our Visitor’s Center for a travel planner that lists hotels, bed and breakfasts, and their amenities. With over twenty-eight hotels and motels, you will be amazed by the selection. There have been many renovations and new projects, so be sure to Cruise the Loop Route 66®.

 

BED & BREAKFASTS:
Williams has a variety of Bed and Breakfasts. The Red Garter Bed and Bakery was once a brothel.  The wild ladies of the evening are gone but the history is not.  Buffalo Pointe Lodge and Cafe and Canyon Country Inn are on the “Mother Road” old Route 66. You can relax on the porch and think of the families that passed through during the depression on their way to California, and their promise of riches.  The Sheridan House Inn is world-renowned for its exquisite dining and “bed and breakfast in the pines” experience.  Grand Living Bed and Breakfast is an elegant, log cabin style B&B with beautiful views of Bill Williams Mountain and gourmet meals prepared by Gloria Job.  Legacies Bed and Breakfast offers themed rooms from the elegant and spacious Legacies Suite to the Hawaiian Room,and Route 66 Room. Legacies was voted one of the Top 10 Bed and  Breakfasts of the year!   Situated in the ponderosa pine forests, it is a large southwestern style home, featuring three luxurious rooms/suites with private baths and gourmet breakfasts.  Firelight B & B NOW OPEN – visit www.firelightbandb.com.

 

AIRPORTS:

- H.A. Clark Field - 928.635.1280

- Grand Canyon Airport - 928.556.2407

- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport - 928.556.1234

- Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters - 928.638.2419

 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION:

- Marvelous Marv's Grand Canyon Tours - 928.635.4948 or www.marvelousmarv.com

- Smitty's Transportation of Williams - 928.635.4948 or 888.635.9825

- A Friendly Cab sight seeing and customized tours - 928.774.4444

- Classic Heritage Tours - (promoters of golf tours to Europe including Englad, Ireland, and Scotland) 928.635.9832

- Grand Canyon Field Institute - 928.638.2485

- Air Grand Canyon - 928.638.2686 or 800.247.4726

- Grand Canyon Airlines - 1.800.528.2413

- Northern Arizona Shuttle and Tours - 928.773.4337 or 866.870.8687

- Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters - 928.638.2419 or 800.528.2418

- Maverick Helicopters - 928.638.2622 or 800.962.3869

 

 

DIRECTIONS FROM PHOENIX
In Phoenix, take I-17 North to the I-40 interchange, take I-40 West 30 miles to Williams, take exits # 161, # 163, or # 165.

 

ANNUAL TOURIST VISITATION

 

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The Grand Canyon National Park, www.nps.gov/grca  302-297-2757, is the nation’s most visited National Park.  Riding the rails on the Grand Canyon Railway www.thetrain.com to the Canyon is a fun packed day for the whole family to experience. Enjoying the ride to the Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway today is a lot more relaxing and a smoother ride then when the frontier people of yesteryear went by stagecoach. The ride will take you from Williams down to the prairie and then climb back up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Back in 1901, began the first ride on the train to the Canyon and Williams is known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.”®

Historic Route 66 carried millions west to the land of dreams. This highway led from Chicago to Los Angeles. In 1984, Williams was the last community on Route 66 to be bypassed by Interstate 40. Be sure to stop by and see Jason Moore at The Route 66 Place and Twisters Soda Fountain at 928-635-0266 for Route 66 merchandise.  “Cruise the Loop” ® Route 66 here in Williams and get the full Main Street experience.  Just follow the loop signs and follow the special Cruise the Loop Lane around Williams’ portion of the Mother Road.

You can get an up close and personal look at wildlife by visiting the Grand Canyon Deer Farm, deerfrmr@aol.com 800-926-3337. This popular stop for tourists offers more than just deer to see; you can pet and feed.  Visitors can also see llamas, miniature horses, donkeys, antelope, goats, turkeys, peacocks, monkeys, and buffalo.

The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness area is located fourteen miles southeast of Williams and offers breath-taking views, deep canyons, and streams with world class rock climbing.

Buckskinner Park is located near town, in the cool pines, in an elevated area with pleasant views. You can reach one of the Trailheads there to hike.

Keyhole Sink is located west of Williams and north of exit 171 on Interstate 40.  After a walk of .6 miles, visitors are rewarded with the sight of a hidden pond and cliffs with Indian rock art.

Visit The Grand Canyon Caverns, www.gccaverns.com, for an underground tour of beautiful caves.  Visitors will be delighted with its limestone formations.  Their newest itinerary includes a day trip to Grand Canyon Havasupai waterfalls, walking or by horseback.  The caverns are 66 miles from Williams located between Seligman and Kingman on old Route 66.  From Williams, take I-40 to Seligman, exit Interstate 40, and take Route 66 about 22 miles northwest to Grand Canyon Caverns & Inn. 

One hour away is Walnut Canyon, where visitors can view where Ancient Ones (Sinagua and Anazazi) lived and raised their children high on the sides of cliffs.  Sedona is a wonderful day excursion.

The drive through Oak Creek Canyon is breathtaking. Starting at the top of the Mogollon Rim down to the high desert and Red Rocks of Sedona, seeing the change in the flora and fauna is very dramatic in this canyon.

 

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES
Tourism, tourist oriented retail, and service firms are the major economic backbone for the Williams economy.  New shops fill the niche for clothing and local artwork. Williams is home to manufacturer KC HiLites. L.P.’s Excavating has been in Williams for a long time and has expanded over the years to become the business they are now and a major small business employer.   

 

Ranching has always been a major industry in Northern Arizona. Sheep and cattle have roamed over the prairies for generations. Lumber was an important industry and provider of jobs until recent years and has seen resurgence in the Small Diameter Wood Industry.  New technology and forest restoration promise future expansion and jobs related to this area of economic development.

 

UPCOMING PROJECTS
New projects on the books include Arizona Territory, a 220 acre 1890’s western reenactment amusement park.  Williams is still working on funding for a world class Arizona State Railroad Museum, which will be located across from the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and Resort.  Grand Canyon Northland Amusements and Entertainment, LLC is bring a 480 acre Theme Park to Williams as well as subsidiary businesses such as an auto-plex, muscle car museum, engine rebuilding company, and will be a major attraction for Northern Arizona.

 

SPECIAL AWARDS

- The City of Williams received the CAFR award- Certificate of Achievement for excellence in financial reporting for the past six years (only 5% of cities our size, get this award).
- Our Williams Main Street Association received the Arizona Main Street Program Governor’s Recognition Award in 1994.
- In 1995, we received the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation for the rehabilitation of the Santa Fe Railway Freight Depot. 
- In 1997, Williams Main Street received two Arizona Main Street Awards for Best Façade Renovation (Jackson Building) and New Main Street Business of the Year (Route 66 Magazine-no longer located in Williams).
In 2004, the Governor’s Award for Best Exterior Façade Renovation of a Historic Building.
- Williams is also proud to have been the recipient of the “Great American City Award” in 2001 for the History Channel Great Race, which is coast to coast endurance road rally of authentic Antique cars.  We won the above award and $5,000 for our local library.
- The Governor’s Award for Excellence Rural Development was accepted in 2002 for the Williams Aquatic Center. 
- Grand Canyon Railway and Resort was the recipient of the “The Magic of Christmas in Williams” committee won the Governor’s Award for Best Special Event in 2007
- In 2006, Williams was designated as a National Preserve America Community.  The Mayor went to Washington to accept the award.
- In 2006, Williams Needs An Angel Committee won the “Governor’s Pride” Award in community leadership.

 

 

COMMUNITY HISTORY
Williams was founded in 1881 by local rancher Charles T. Rogers. He established residence in 1880 when it seemed certain the railroad would be built through this part of Arizona.  Its past was not quiet nor was it a quaint community. It was the wild, the Wild West, at its best (worst?). Saloon Row, as it was known, (Railroad Ave. & Grand Canyon Blvd.), had many buildings that housed gambling halls, brothels, and opium dens. Some of the residents did want culture and respectability in the town so they established a public library association, a dramatic club, and organized a brass band. But the cultured life wanted by some was long in coming. Even as late as 1901, Williams was still a place of “dissipation and riotous living.”  Many of the community’s wooden buildings were destroyed by fire in 1901 and were rebuilt with brick and stucco and are still standing in downtown Williams today.  The City of Williams was established in 1881, a year before the transcontinental railroad arrived in 1882.  Being located in the largest stand of Ponderosa pine in the world drew lumber mills to the area.  The Saginaw and Manistee Lumber Mill dominated the landscape from 1893 to 1942 on the sight that is now Williams High School. In 1901, a 60 mile spur line to the Grand Canyon opened, giving Williams the name “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.” ®

 

PROMINENT RESIDENTS
The Wells Family started the Williams/Grand Canyon Newspaper in 1889 and the paper has been published regularly ever since. The Pouquette Family settled in Williams in 1890.  This family is still ranchers and business entrepreneurs.  Williams was home to the H.A. Clark Family, the Glassburn Family, and the Bob Dean Family which now has had 5 generations on the rodeo committee.  Eddie Hoffmeyer and his wife Wanda, who was a Fred Harvey girl, are still living in Williams.  Home of the Clark Cole Family, Clark was the Under Sheriff for Coconino County and Lora still lives in Williams today.  Mr. Benham of the Benham Family was the first District Ranger for the Forest Service in Williams.  Rod Graves opened Rod’s Steak House 57 years ago was also a prominent resident of Williams and played an important role in the first rodeo.  Lawrence Sanchez worked for Rod Graves way back when and bought the business from Rod and is currently the owner along with his wife Stella. The H.A. Clark Family is honored by having the airport named after one of its first area aviators, H.A. Clark. A new community park was also named in 2006 called Glassburn Park, honoring the endless efforts of Carol Glassburn in Community Clean & Beautiful efforts.

 

COMMUNITY TRIVIA
The first person to ever receive a ticket in Williams was Mayor Harry Pyle.  He was ticketed in 1902 for speeding.  In his horse and buggy he was traveling over the speed limit of 6 miles per hour.  The first English-speaking Americans were here in the 1820’s. They were mountain men searching for beaver to trap.  The Arizona Territory was created during the Civil War from the western half of the New Mexico Territory. The Territory’s first Governor traveled through the northern Arizona wilderness on the south side of Bill Williams Mountain and set up camp. This camp was eventually moved to Prescott and became the first Territorial Capitol.

 

Williams is the only town where visitors can catch the historic Grand Canyon Railway to the Grand Canyon. Williams was the last community on Route 66 to be by-passed by I-40. We hope to put together a huge event celebrating this in October of 2009 (25th Anniversary) in hopes that it will become an annual celebration enjoyed by all Route 66 enthusiasts.  The Historic Downtown District spans six square blocks and includes the Fray Marcos Hotel and Depot.  The Fray Marcos is the oldest and largest surviving concrete–poured edifice in Arizona.  It was one of the original Harvey Houses. Experience the story-brought-to-life of the Polar Express every December on the Grand Canyon Railway.  We celebrate the heritage of ‘Railroads in Arizona’ with our annual Railroad Days.  Where else can you come and listen to our own 5th Regimental Cavalry Band live on the streets of Williams during the summer?                                          

 

WHAT’S NEW

The Williams Aquatic Center was recently finished. Architecturally designed with a “waveless water return system”, this type of system conserves on water which is very important in Williams.  With its temperature controlled environment, swimming can be enjoyed all year round. The Williams Aquatic Center has been awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Rural Development under the category of Community Development – Infrastructure improvements to Parks and Recreation. Another new project, the Arizona State Railroad Museum, will call Williams home in the near future. The Museum will house many items of Railroad memorabilia such as menus from the old Fred Harvey House in Williams and the “El Tovar” at the Canyon, old rolling stock including steam engines, Pulliam-style coach cars. The museum will serve as an invaluable resource for celebrating and preserving our state’s unique heritage.

 

STORY IDEAS
This is the 55th year of the famous Mountain Man Ride down to the Valley of the Sun, and it has always started right here in Williams, AZ.

 

The diversity of our outdoor recreational opportunities is huge considering how small our community is.  There is hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, events, Route 66, Grand Canyon, golfing, rock climbing, scenic drives, museums, downtown gunfights, and plenty of live music every night during the spring, summer, and fall. The Williams Guidebook, written by Richard and Sherry Mangum, is full of detailed trails, history and information. We have a Historic Walking Tour that highlights many of our old buildings and includes interesting stories of long ago.

 

LOCAL TRADITIONS
Small Town 4th of July – The celebration on July 4th and will include one of the biggest parades in Northern Arizona starting at 6pm with the Arizona Skyhawk Sky Jumper's parachuting right down onto Route 66, local BBQ’s, ice cream social, free swim at the Aquatic Center and family activities. Celebrating a hundred years of 4th of July Parades in Williams, the Williams Centennial Fourth of July photo re-enactment project will also be taken on this day. Locals and visitors alike are invited to dress in period clothing from 1909 and re-enact the photo that was taken that day in 1909. This picture can be seen on the cover of the Historic Walking Tour map that is available at the Williams and Forest Service Visitor Center.

Cool Country Cruise-In and Route 66 Festival – Go back in time and enjoy the 1950s again on Route 66.  Activities include a Classic Car show, a battle of the bands, a sock hop, contests, and lots more fun. 2006 hosted the biggest show ever in Williams. With over 200 cars!

The teens and adults in Williams always have fun at the yearly “Bonfire” enjoyed as part of the Homecoming activities at Williams High School.

The Bill Williams Mountain Men gather every year for their annual trail ride down to the Phoenix area.  This ride can be brutal and is not for the faint of heart.  The ride begins in Williams and drops down through the Mogollon Rim to the desert floor.  This is their 55th Year Anniversary.

 

NEW ATTRACTIONS:
In the works:  Wild West Junction—a museum, old fashioned general store, saloon, and shops all in the feel of the old west. Visit www.oldwestmainstreet.com. Mike Ducharme and Jay Redfeather are doing an awesome job and are already an integral part of the Community. The museum and fabulous Typhoon Saloon are already open as well as several retail venues including the Quilters Mercantile.

 

Elephant Rocks Special Event Facility—The "Pavillion"—Built at the golf course and allows for special events right amid this beautiful scenic area.  With room for up to 250, call our events coordinator Sue Atkinson for more information and bookings at (928) 635-0273 Ext.210. Visit www.elephant-rocks.net and remember Your events are Wanted in Williams!                                        

 

Elephant Rocks Golf Course: Photo Courtesy of Bob Deleander

 

For more information on this community contact:jshirley@williamschamber.com

 

 

 

 

Click here to view as a PDF

 

 

 

 

1050 E. Southern Ave. Suite C-3

Tempe, AZ 85282

 

www.azcomgroup.com

news@azcomgroup.com