The Old West thrives in the historic trails and rails town of Williams, Arizona.
The northern Arizona town of Williams got off to a fast start after its founding in 1881. With the arrival of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad (future Santa Fe Railway) the following year, it became a center for mining, ranching and lumber, with saloons, brothels and a few opium dens tossed in.
In 1901, the railroad laid track to the Grand Canyon, adding tourism to its economy. Later, so did the automobile and the advent of cross country travel on Route 66.
But the Grand Canyon Railroad stopped operating in 1968, and in 1984, Interstate 40 allowed travelers to bypass Williams altogether.
With reason to board up and blow away, the town held on.
“We’ve got a lot of grit,” say Mayor John Moore. “We’re a small town with a big heart.”
The most popular attraction today is the Grand Canyon Railway, reopened in 1989. The train departs the Williams Depot every morning for the 65-mile trip to the South Rim. Travelers disembark 300 yards from the canyon and the most spectacular views anywhere.
This story is from the November 2017 edition of True West.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2017 edition of True West.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
WESTERN ART MUSEUMS OF THE YEAR
Visionary museums from coast to coast showcase the West's best artists and artwork.
DISCOVER THE WEST
Museums from coast to coast celebrate our Western heritage for all generations.
Amber Waves of Grain and Flowers
Kansas is still the breadbasket of America.
In Search of Hugh Glass
Travel the Rocky Mountain West to discover the truth about the legendary mountain man.
SPUR TALK
The day Bill McDonald rode over the hill leading the Appaloosa, Slim and I were repairing the corrals. Slim was running Pete Coleman's little ranch about three miles south of Cow Springs, New Mexico. I was just a snotty-nosed, freckle-faced kid at the time.
THE LEGENDARY FOUR SIXES
The ranch was founded 155 years ago by men and women who are as mythical as they are real.
YELLOWSTONE COWBOYS
THE REAL STORY OF TEDDY BLUE AND HOW HE BECAME MONTANA'S GREATEST COWBOY
Under Western Skies
The annual Scottsdale Art Auction was a tour de force of classic and contemporary art of the West.
If You Thought Dude Ranching Days Were Over....
Montana's original wants to set you straight.
The Indians and the Jesuit
Father de Smet built the first permanent settlement in Montana.