About City of Williams
City Of Williams
Welcome to the City of Williams, a vibrant community of approximately 5,300 residents situated at the strategic crossroads of Interstate 5 and State Route 20. Located just 60 miles north of Sacramento, Williams serves as a central hub midway between the majestic Sierras and the stunning Pacific Coast. As a city deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, our community thrives on cultivating rice, tomatoes, vine and seed crops, walnuts, almonds, hay, grain, and cattle, reflecting the rich, fertile landscape of the Sacramento Valley. With an average annual rainfall of 16 inches and a climate marked by moderate temperatures—albeit with occasional winter dips below freezing and summer peaks reaching up to 110 degrees—Williams offers a quintessential Northern California experience.
Founded in 1874 and originally known as Central, our city was renamed in 1876 to honor William Williams, a generous benefactor who donated significant portions of land for the town site. Officially established as a General Law City on May 20, 1920, Williams has become a gateway to Northern California's premier hunting and fishing destinations. Enthusiasts can enjoy pheasant and dove hunting locally, while the nearby foothills present opportunities for deer, elk, and wild boar hunting. Just 10 miles to the east, the Sacramento River beckons anglers with its bounty of salmon, striper, steelhead, and sturgeon, complemented by abundant catfish in the region's canals and accessible trout fishing spots. With numerous hunting clubs and game preserves nearby, Williams truly is a fine place to visit and an even greater place to live.