The tree had been planted in 1768 by Johan Abraham Nel, a farmer and owner of the land that was to become the town, to commemorate the birth of one of his sons.

[2] In the early 19th century, the district was populated by pastoralists who constantly moved their livestock between springs in search of fresh grazing areas.

The mixed race population migrated north across Bushmanland and crossed the Orange River into Namibia to the town of Rohoboth.

A local clergyman, Reverend S Kuhn, used dynamite to blow up the towns central spring near the Sak River in an attempt to increase the flow of water.

Nama Riel dancers perform an ancient celebratory dance in the courtyard of the Williston Mall where the festival is held.

The town also offers a Tombstone Route out of Williston which follows the work of Cornelius, a master-carver who engraved gravestones for the people of the Upper Karoo.