Willett is a small unincorporated community located in Yolo County, California. With a population of just a few hundred people, it is easily overlooked and can be difficult to find, even for those living in the surrounding areas. There are a few key reasons why Willett maintains such a low profile and remains challenging to locate for outsiders.
Remote Location
First and foremost, Willett is situated in a very remote part of Yolo County. It sits off the main highways and thoroughfares that people typically use to travel through the region. Willett is located just west of the small town of Madison, nestled among the farm fields and rural roads far from any major urban centers. This out-of-the-way placement makes Willett easy to pass by without noticing. Unless someone is deliberately looking for Willett or happens to stumble upon the signs for its roads, they could easily drive through Yolo County without ever knowing of its existence.
Lack of Signage
Adding to this obscurity is the lack of clear signage indicating the location of Willett. Unlike many towns and villages, there are no distinctive signs on major roads pointing the way to the community. Those who are unaware of its exact placement could struggle to actually locate the town itself. The sparse and scattered population around Willett means there has not been a concerted effort to advertise its location to visitors and passersby. While locals may know their way, newcomers are likely to have a difficult time pinpointing the town.
Absence of Distinctive Landmarks
Willett also lacks major distinctive landmarks that would put it “on the map” in people’s minds. Small communities like Willett often have a main business district, historical building, natural feature, or other attraction that offers a defining character. However, Willett does not have an obvious central gathering place, main street, or striking landscape that imprints itself as a memorable location. This absence of landmarks makes it less likely people will know of the town or be able to describe where it is. For a long time, Willett has remained a place that people simply pass by on the way to somewhere else.
History of Willett
To better understand its hard-to-find nature, it helps to look at the history of Willett and how the town developed. Willett first grew as a dispersed agricultural settlement in the late 1800s. Farmers settled in the area to cultivate wheat and other crops. But Willett never expanded into a major town or centre of commerce. Growth happened slowly over decades, with homesteads and buildings popping up sporadically amid the farmland. Let’s examine key reasons why Willett never established itself as a prominent Yolo County destination.
Lack of Railroad Access
Willett lacked access to the railroad lines that connected many towns in California. The Southern Pacific Railroad ran several lines through Yolo County in the late 1800s. But the tracks bypassed the remote area where Willett stood. Without a train depot, Willett did not benefit from the typical growth in population and business that occurred in railroad towns. The absence of a railroad constrained the settlement’s early development.
Off the Beaten Path
In addition, Willett was far away from the main travel routes through the county. Stagecoach lines and wagon trails tended to steer clear of the area as they moved people and goods through the region. Without a steady flow of travellers passing through, Willett did not get the exposure needed to put it “on the map” in the minds of early settlers. Its out-of-the-way location inhibited the town from becoming a popular stopover point.
Sparse Early Population
Also, the sparse population around Willett limited its growth. With just a few farmsteads and homes scattered about, there was not a critical mass of residents to support new businesses, schools, churches, and infrastructure. The town lacked a robust local economy or community events to sustain itself in those early years. So it remained a loose rural settlement rather than a burgeoning village.
Modern Era Obscurity
Once a lesser known farm community, Willett has continued its low profile existence into the modern era:
Decline of Farming Industry
The decline of farming and the rise of urbanization further isolated Willett and prevented growth. As people migrated to cities for jobs, Willett’s population dwindled. The loss of agricultural prosperity in the area meant there were fewer reasons for people to take notice of the town.
Bypassed by Major Roads
Just as the railroads sped past Willett, so did the highways and interstates of the 20th century. Major routes such as Interstate 5 and State Route 16 provided pathways around Willett for cross-country travelers. The town remained tucked away on rural backroads.
Limited Tourism Appeal
Willett also did not develop significant historic, cultural, or natural attractions to draw tourists off the main routes. Without destinations to promote, there was little reason to heavily advertise its existence. No bustling main street or quaint downtown emerged as a typical rural getaway.
Decade | Population |
---|---|
1870 | 57 |
1880 | 71 |
1890 | 63 |
1900 | 86 |
1910 | 103 |
1920 | 147 |
1930 | 218 |
1940 | 231 |
1950 | 247 |
1960 | 264 |
1970 | 299 |
1980 | 327 |
1990 | 418 |
2000 | 488 |
2010 | 529 |
This table shows the gradual population growth of Willett over the decades, even as it remained a lesser known rural community. The population topped 500 residents only recently in 2010.
Finding Willett Today
Despite the obstacles, there are a few approaches for tracking down the elusive town of Willett:
Use Detailed Maps
Consult detailed street maps or online mapping tools to locate Willett. Look for it positioned just west of Madison along County Road 85B. Zooming in close is key to pinpointing the town.
Follow Signs from Madison
When traveling on Highway 16 in Madison, keep an eye out for any small signs pointing the way to Willett. Though sporadic, there are some posted directions guiding visitors exiting Madison.
Look for Water Tower
Willett’s most prominent landmark is its water tower standing tall above the surrounding farmland. If able to spot it, use the tower as a beacon to orient yourself toward Willett.
Ask Locals
Stopping in Madison to ask residents is a foolproof approach. The locals can provide precise directions to help you find the unmarked roads leading to Willett.
Conclusion
In summary, Willett maintains an isolated, obscure identity due to its remote rural location, lack of railroad and highway access, limited signage and attractions, and sparse population. Tracking down Willett requires some effort, but using detailed maps, following the few markers from Madison, spotting the water tower, or seeking guidance from locals can lead you to this hidden Yolo County town. Though it keeps a low profile, visiting Willett offers a glimpse of classic California country life off the main tourist trails. With its quiet farms and open landscapes, Willett rewards those determined enough to uncover its secluded setting.