Essex, Montana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Essex, Montana
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Census-Designated Place
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Train passing through Essex
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| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| County | Flathead |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.54 sq mi (1.40 km2) |
| • Land | 0.52 sq mi (1.34 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,878 ft (1,182 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 44 |
| • Density | 84.78/sq mi (32.75/km2) |
| FIPS code | 30-24700 |
| GNIS feature ID | 783229 |
Essex is a small, unincorporated community in Flathead County, Montana, United States. Being "unincorporated" means it's not officially a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger county.
Essex is located in the northwestern part of Montana. It sits right along the "Hi-Line" railroad, which is a very important train route. The community is also quite close to the beautiful Glacier National Park. It's about 31 miles southwest of East Glacier and 26 miles southeast of West Glacier.
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Trains and Travel in Essex
Essex is a special stop for the Empire Builder train, which is run by Amtrak. This train makes what's called a "flag stop" here. A flag stop means the train only stops if someone wants to get on or off. If no one is waiting or no one on the train needs to get off, it might just go right past! The train usually stops westbound around 7:41 PM and eastbound around 8:55 AM.
The Izaak Walton Inn
Right near the Amtrak station platform, you'll find the Izaak Walton Inn hotel. This inn is a popular place for visitors, especially those interested in trains or exploring Glacier National Park.
Essex's Railway Yard
Essex is also home to a small railway yard belonging to the BNSF Railway. This yard has a long history. In the past, it was used to provide coal and water for steam trains. It also stationed "helper units," which were extra engines used to push heavy freight trains over the challenging Marias Pass. Even today, the yard is important for basing crews who clear snow from the tracks during the winter months.
History of Essex
Essex was originally known as Walton. It got its current name from a county in England. The community started to grow in 1890 because of the Great Northern Railway's main line, which passed right through it. The railway was key to the town's early development.
Essex and Amateur Radio
Essex is also famous for hosting the Glacier-Waterton hamfest. A hamfest is a gathering for people who enjoy amateur radio, also known as "ham radio." These radio enthusiasts use special equipment to talk to people all over the world. The Essex hamfest claims to be the oldest continuously running amateur radio event in the world! It started way back in 1934 and is held every year during the third full weekend in July at a local RV park.
Population of Essex
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 44 | — | |
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According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Essex was 44 people. This shows it's a very small community.
