Rapelje, Montana

Rapelje, Montana
—  Unincorporated community  —
Coordinates:
Country United States
State Montana
County Stillwater
Settled
Elevation[1] 4,065 ft (1,239 m)
Population (2000)[2]
 • Total 110
Time zone Mountain Standard Time (MST) (UTC-7)
 • Summer (DST) Mountain Daylight Time (MST) (UTC-6)
ZIP code 59067
Area code(s) 406

Rapelje is an unincorporated farming and ranching community in northern Stillwater County, Montana, United States. Rapelje was named for J. M. Rapelje, general manager and vice president of the Northern Pacific Railway.[3] Rapelje area has a population of approximately 110 people as of the 2000 census[4].[2] Rapelje is located 24 miles north of Columbus, Montana on Montana Secondary Highway 306.[5]

Contents

Culture

Rapelje hosts many events through its volunteer-operated Stockman Cafe.

24 Hours of Rapelje

The 24 Hours of Rapelje is a USA Cycling sanctioned endurance mountain bike race held on the weekend in June closest to the summer solstice.[6] The race is coordinated by the local volunteers.[1] The 24 Hours of Rapelje brings riders of all ages and skill levels from around the country to Rapelje each year. Riding in teams of 3 (3-man Class), 5 (Festival Class), 6 or more (Carnival Class) or riding solo, participants in this race must complete a course known for its washboards, rolling terrain, and occasional interference from cattle that wander too close to the course. Riders camp in an open field. Shower facilities and entertainment are provided by the Stockman Cafe. A pancake feed accompanied by live music is held at midnight. Rapelje was founded by M.J Rapelje, who was the head of the North Pacific Railway. Farmers came out to help with the railway. When the railway was taken out, all the people had were themselves. Thus they started the great town of Rapelje, Montana. I am proud to have been a resident in a town with such an amazing history.

References

  1. ^ a b Megedus, Mike (2007-09-17). "Saving a Town: Tourism's a billion dollar business in the U.S., the lifeblood of many towns". CNBC. http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=520091804. Retrieved 2007-10-04. 
  2. ^ a b Covers Census Block 9662, Blocks 1023, 1055-1064, 1067-1067, and 1071-1072, See "Detailed Table - American Factfinder". U.S. Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTTable?_bm=y&-context=dt&-ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&-_geoSkip=10&-CONTEXT=dt&-mt_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_P001&-mt_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_P002&-tree_id=4001&-_skip=0&-redoLog=false&-all_geo_types=N&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001023&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001055&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001056&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001057&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001058&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001059&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001060&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001061&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001062&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001063&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001064&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001067&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001068&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001071&-geo_id=100$10000US300959662001072&-search_results=01000US&-parsed=true&-_showChild=Y&-format=&-_lang=en&-_toggle=. Retrieved 2007-10-04. 
  3. ^ Montana Railroad History
  4. ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  5. ^ "2007-2008 Montana Highway System Map" (PDF). Montana Department of Transportation. http://mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/docs/hwymap_system.pdf. Retrieved 2007-09-27. 
  6. ^ Thomas, Greg (2007-06-30). "For an Everyman, a Test of Mettle in Montana". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/30/sports/othersports/30outdoors.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin. Retrieved 2007-10-04. 

External links

Municipalities and communities of Stillwater County, Montana, USA
Town
CDPs
Unincorporated
communities