The rural, residential community sits in the mid-south area of Lewis County and is 3.0 miles (4.8 km) southeast of Mayfield and 4.0 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Wilson.

The town took its name from Winston Creek which flows through the area.

[3] Mining was an initial endeavor at the site, with a smelting plant erected in 1897.

[6] The town's main industry converted to logging with various mills operating in Winston during its prime years.

[9] An accidental release of four bombs from a military jet exploded over the area in 1952, though there were no casualties or fires.