“W” is for Williston (Barnwell County; 2020 population 2,876). Located on U.S. Highway 78 in Barnwell County, Williston is named for early settlers. In 1830 the railroad from Charleston to Hamburg was begun and small towns grew up along its route. Elijah Willis donated land for a church, a post office, and a depot. In 1858 the General Assembly issued Williston a charter. Agriculture and associated businesses kept the town viable for nearly a century. In 1950 The Atomic Energy Commission announced the coming of the Savannah River Site. The population rose from 869 to more than 10,000 for the town and the outlying area during the peak of “The Bomb Plant” construction. Williston’s population decreased to 2,722 in 1960, with many construction workers remaining to work for Dupont, the company operating the plant.
“W” is for Williston
