Forsyth, MT

Forsyth, MT. June 16, 1918. In 1918, a rising Yellowstone River threatened the City of Forsyth. According to the Forsyth Times Journal, "Over 500 men worked for 36 hours to keep the flood water out of the city as much as possible." On this day in the early morning hours, the hastily constructed levee west of the bridge gave way and nothing more could be done. Water rushed into the west end of Forsyth flooding the entire town north of the railroad tracks. , Every basement was flooded to the floor joists. Homes had 2 to 3 feet of water flowing through their ground floors. The currents washed away streets, fences, and sidewalks. Boats became the only means of transportation. Downtown business remained open while customers and employees waded through 6 to 12 inches of water. , Within a week of the flood abatement, citizens convened a mass public meeting to discuss constructing a new water system, sewer system, a leave and sidewalks. Shortly thereafter, the people of Forsyth also began planning for a new hospital. , In 1944 the US Army Corps of Engineers began the process to construct a levee for the city of Forsyth. Construction was completed in 1948. The levee is about 2 1/2 miles long surrounding the city on the west and north sides separating it from the Yellowstone River. The city has avoided significant damage from Yellowstone River flooding since its construction.