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In the late 1870's men pushed into Montana hoping to mine the precious ore from the mountains. But the mining operations needed support; they needed a railroad to bring in equipment and food for miners. As a consequence of the railroad and mining activities, many men were exposed to the fertile Snake River Valley. Later some of these men returned to the valley and claimed land, a privilege granted by the Homestead Act of 1862.
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Additionally, a group of young Mormon men from Cache Valley, Utah, was organized to form a settlement in the area. Among these men was Thomas E. Ricks, founder of both Rexburg, and Ricks College. In February, 1883, they cut logs for building a community in the spring. In March the men met at the present townsite of Rexburg and constructed the first log house.
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Since March, 1883, the town has grown and prospered into the hub of commerce for most communities in the Upper Snake River Valley. It is well known as the host of the Idaho International Folk Dance Festival and the home of BYU-I, a thriving institution of higher learning.
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