Williston is the county seat of Williams County, North Dakota. 

The population was 12,512 at the 2000 census. Williston was founded in 1887. It was named for Daniel Willis James, who served on the board of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company. Williston, North Dakota, was named for him by his friend and owner of the Northern Pacific Railroad, James J. Hill.

Williston is located in the Northwest corner of North Dakota near both Montana and Saskatchewan Canada.  Major highways of US 2 and 85 cross through Williston.

Getting to Williston is easy with airservice from Sloulin Field International Airport to Gillette, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado operated by Great Lakes Airlines. 

Amtrak passenger rail service also serves Williston with Eastbound (Chicago) and Westbound (Seattle/Portland) departures on the Empire Builder Train.

Recreational activites are nearby at the Yellowstone River and Missouri River, as well as Lake Sakakawea.  Many National Historic sites of importance are located near Williston along the Lewis & Clark trail.