Rapelje, Montana
| Rapelje, Montana | |
|---|---|
| Unincorporated community | |
  Rapelje, Montana | |
| Coordinates: 45°58′19″N 109°15′18″W / 45.97194°N 109.25500°WCoordinates: 45°58′19″N 109°15′18″W / 45.97194°N 109.25500°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Stillwater |
| Elevation | 4,071 ft (1,241 m) |
| Population (2000)[1] | |
| • Total | 110 |
| Time zone | Mountain (MST) (UTC-7) |
| • Summer (DST) | MDT (UTC-6) |
| ZIP code | 59067 |
| Area code(s) | 406 |
| GNIS feature ID | 777090[2] |
Rapelje is an unincorporated community 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 had a population of approximately 110 people as of the 2000 census[4].[5] Rapelje is located 24 miles north of Columbus, Montana on Montana Secondary Highway 306.[6]
History
A post office was first established at Rapelje in 1913. Originally the town was named Lake Basin, but the name was changed to Rapelje (after a Northern Pacific Railway executive) in 1917. A railroad destination point, Rapelje developed into a reasonable town with a number of grain elevators, a school district, an evangelical church, and a main street that was originally intended to be developed into a boulevard.
When agricultural industry began to decline, the railroad pulled out of Rapelje and the town began falling into decline as well, losing much of its regional importance. The town still serves as a small hub by providing basic services to surrounding areas.
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.[7] The race is coordinated by the local volunteers.[8] 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.
References
- ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
- ↑ "Rapelje". Geographic Names Information System, U.S. Geological Survey.
- ↑ Montana Railroad History
- ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ↑ Covers Census Block 9662, Blocks 1023, 1055-1064, 1067-1067, and 1071-1072, See "Detailed Table - American Factfinder". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
- ↑ "2007-2008 Montana Highway System Map" (PDF). Montana Department of Transportation. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
- ↑ Thomas, Greg (2007-06-30). "For an Everyman, a Test of Mettle in Montana". The New York Times. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
- ↑ Megedus, Mike (2007-09-17). "Saving a Town: Tourism's a billion dollar business in the U.S., the lifeblood of many towns". CNBC. Retrieved 2007-10-04.
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