An Introduction to Williston

HISTORY
Two hundred and thirty years ago, Williston was inhabited solely by wild beasts and the Abenakis who resided along the waterways. High elevations were used as lookouts to site herds of caribou or deer. Wetlands and ponds, like Mud Pond and Lake Iroquois, were rich with wildlife and served as hunting grounds. Into this wilderness, in 1764, came one of Williston’s earliest and most famous settlers:  Thomas Chittenden, Vermont’s first governor. Colonel Chittenden first discovered the area on an expedition up the Winooski River, and built his first house overlooking the Valley on what is now called Governor Chittenden Road. From the beginning, Williston was an agricultural town. By 1830, farming became more specialized. After the railroad came to Williston in 1850, the market broadened and emphasis shifted to dairy and poultry. 

Today Williston is a mixture of woods, open farm land and developed areas --residential, industrial and retail centers.  Much of this growth is due to it's close proximity to Burlington, the airport and Interstate 89..

RECREATION
The residents of Williston are fortunate to have a wide variety of public recreational facilities. Williston Community Park, located at Williston Central School has baseball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, bicycle trails, and ice skating. At the Catamount Outdoor Family Center, hiking, biking and walking rails are open through the spring, summer, and fall months. In the winter, the trails are groomed for cross country skiing, and a skating rink is available. Lake Iroquoise is a favorite area for nature enthusiasts. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf at Williston Country Club, or practice at the Williston Driving Range.

EDUCATION
Williston students are part of the Chittenden South Supervisory District in the Williston School District. A new primary school opened for kindergarten through fourth grades. Williston Central School houses primarily fifth through eighth grades. High school students attend Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg.

A NEIGHBORLY COMMUNITY
Williston - with a population of a little more than 8,000 - covers 19,417 acres (30.4 square miles). The area’s historical and natural resources, the Town’s commitment to education and recreation, and Williston’s plain old commitment to “neighborliness” work to create an essence that is unique to Williston.

LOCAL PAPERS
Burlington Free Press - Williston Section
Williston Observer