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Conclusion
and Citations
Williston
was a sleepy Southern town on November 8, 1950, when it was suddenly
awakened by the startling news that the Atomic Energy Commission's
nationwide program of nuclear productions and research would be erected on
land in Aiken and Barnwell Counties
Not
since the War Between the States had South Carolina towns been evacuated,
but all the people living within the bounds of that particular area had to
relinquish their property. The "dying" of Dunbarton in Barnwell
County and Ellenton in Aiken County is
a story closely associated with Williston, for many of these families moved
- homes and all - to Williston
No
term could more accurately describe Williston at this time than
“renaissance”. Williston had declined front a bustling town boasting
"the largest department store in this part of the
state”, fine stables, a first class blacksmith shop, a magnificent
depot on the Southern Railroad, a crate factory, a hotel, and many business
houses. Williston was no longer the “Asparagus Capital of the World”.
In
1950 the population was 896.
During
the peak of the Atomic Energy Commission's project the population of
Williston and the outlying areas was estimated at 10,000 or more
When
construction was completed, many people moved. Many others remained as
employees of DuPont. Others remained simply because they liked Williston and
could find employment.
By
1960 the population was
reduced to 2,722.
In
the years following, several new industries have been attracted to
Williston. This accounts, in part, for the fact that the population
during this Tricentennial year is in excess of 3,000.
There
are those who would turn back the hands of time; there are others who feel
that the best is yet to come.
Citations
Bureau of the Census
~ Govt. Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 1908
South Carolina ~
Salley Edwards
The Simms History of
S.C. ~ Mary C. Simms Oliphant
A Shorter History of
S. C. ~ D D. Wallace
Battle of Aiken
~Raymond P. Boylston, Jr.
Association of
American Railroads ~ Washington. D. C.
Williston Way ~
Editions
Mrs. Evermae
Robertson
Descendants of John
Willis ~ Elizabeth Willis De Huff
Confederate Military
History ~ Ed. by C. Evans
Life and Sport in
Aiken ~ Harry Worcester Smith
Campaignings of
Wheeler and His Cavalry, 1862-1865, ed. by W. C. Dodson, 1899
Augusta Chronicle ~
May 8, 1921
Barnwell-People
Sentinel ~ 75th - 100th Edition
Sincere
thanks are extended to the many people who have contributed information,
pictures, and their time in order to make this narration possible.
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