Rexford, MT Weather Cams
Abayance Bay – Lake Koocanusa, Rexford, MT
Black Butte (Rexford, MT) Webcam
Rexford, Montana: A Town Shaped by Railroads, Logging, and the Rising Waters of Lake Koocanusa
Rexford, MT Weather Cams. Nestled in Lincoln County, Rexford, Montana, has a fascinating history shaped by the Great Northern Railway, the timber industry, and the construction of Libby Dam. Though small in population, Rexford has played a significant role in the development of northwestern Montana.
The Founding of Rexford
Rexford was originally established in 1903 along the banks of the Kootenai River. Speculators purchased land in hopes of making the town an important station along the soon-to-be-built Great Northern Railway. However, when construction began, they realized they had misinterpreted the railway’s planned route. To correct this, they purchased forty additional acres and relocated the town one mile north, ensuring it bordered the new tracks.
Railroads and Logging: The Early Economy
During the early years of the Great Northern Railway, Rexford became an essential stopping point for locomotives to take on water and allow passengers to rest. The town quickly grew, attracting loggers and railroad workers. Within a few years, Rexford had a general store, a school, a railroad depot, and a church, solidifying its place as a small but thriving community.
Logging became a major industry, with workers harvesting timber from the dense forests surrounding the town. The timberlands of Lincoln County provided ample resources for the growing demand in construction and rail ties, fueling the local economy.
The Impact of Libby Dam
In the 1940s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced plans to construct Libby Dam north of Libby, Montana. The dam was designed to create a 370-foot-deep reservoir, controlling spring floods that had frequently caused damage in the region. Unfortunately, Rexford was located directly in the area that would be submerged by the new reservoir.
By the 1970s, the original townsite of Rexford was buried beneath the waters of Lake Koocanusa, forcing residents to relocate two miles from its original location. Today, Rexford sits seven miles from the Canadian border, offering visitors access to the scenic beauty of northwestern Montana.
Preserving History and Embracing the Future
While much of Rexford’s original townsite was lost to the waters, efforts have been made to preserve its history. The Tobacco Valley Historical Village, located nearby, showcases artifacts and structures from the region’s early settlers, including items salvaged before the flooding of the original town.
Modern Rexford remains a gateway to outdoor adventure, with opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring the rugged Montana wilderness. The town’s proximity to Lake Koocanusa makes it a popular destination for boating and fishing, ensuring that Rexford continues to thrive despite its dramatic relocation.
From its railroad origins to its timber industry prominence and eventual relocation due to Libby Dam, Rexford’s history is a testament to adaptation and resilience. Whether exploring its historical sites or enjoying the natural beauty of Lincoln County, Rexford offers a glimpse into Montana’s evolving frontier legacy.
For more information, visit the official Montana Visitors site here.