Rigby, ID
County: Jefferson
History
Rigby is a small city located in Jefferson County, Idaho, United States. The area where Rigby now stands was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shoshone-Bannock and Shoshone-Paiute tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the mid-19th century.
The town of Rigby was officially founded in 1884 by Elias Lancaster Rigby, a Mormon pioneer and early settler. Rigby originally planned for the town to be named "Rigbyville," but it was eventually shortened to its current name. The town was primarily built to service the local agricultural community, with farming and ranching being the main economic activities.
One milestone in Rigby's history took place in 1899 when the town became the county seat of Jefferson County. This brought further development and growth to the area. In the early 20th century, the opening of the railroad line in 1902 improved transportation and increased connectivity with other cities in Idaho.
Rigby's most notable claim to fame came in 1922 when a young boy named Philo Farnsworth, who grew up in Rigby, successfully demonstrated the first electronic television transmission. Farnsworth's invention revolutionized the world of broadcasting and laid the foundation for modern television technology.
Over the years, Rigby has continued to grow and develop. Today, it is a thriving community with a population of around 4,000 people. The city is proud of its agricultural heritage and hosts events like the Rigby Rodeo every year, celebrating its cowboy culture.
Rigby's history and connection to the television industry are commemorated in the city with the "Rigby's TV" statue, dedicated to Philo Farnsworth. Additionally, the Farnsworth TV & Pioneer Museum in Rigby showcases the life and work of Philo Farnsworth, highlighting his contributions to the development of television technology.
Overall, Rigby's history is deeply rooted in agriculture, pioneer settlement, and the pioneering spirit of its residents, exemplified by the invention of television by one of its own.
Attractions
Yellowstone Bear World
A wildlife park where visitors can get up close and personal with bears, wolves, elk, and other animals.
Rigby Lake
A popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Legacy Flight Museum
A museum that showcases vintage aircraft, including restored World War II planes, and offers biplane rides.
Heise Hot Springs
A natural hot springs resort featuring multiple hot pools, water slides, and a golf course.
Jefferson County Lake
Another recreational area for fishing, boating, and swimming, with a beach and campground.
Broulim's Supermarket and Mercantile
A historic general store and grocery market that offers a unique shopping experience.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort
A nearby ski resort that offers skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing during the winter months.
Yellowstone Highway
A scenic drive that follows the path of the historic Yellowstone Trail, offering beautiful views of the countryside.
Farmers Market at Rigby City Park
A seasonal farmers market where locals gather to sell fresh produce, crafts, and homemade goods.
Rigby Pioneer Cemetery
A historic cemetery that dates back to the 1800s and honors the pioneers and early settlers of the area.
Climate
Rigby, ID, located in the United States, experiences a semi-arid climate. This means that it has relatively dry, warm summers and cold winters.
In the summer months, from June to August, Rigby sees average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius). However, temperatures can occasionally rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). July tends to be the hottest month, while June and August are slightly cooler.
During the winter season, from December to February, Rigby gets cold with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit (-4 to 0 degrees Celsius). January is typically the coldest month, when temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) at times. Snowfall is common during the winter months, and the area receives an average annual snowfall of about 48 inches (122 cm).
Spring and fall are transitional seasons in Rigby. In the spring (March to May), temperatures gradually warm up with average high temperatures reaching the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (10-16 degrees Celsius). Fall (September to November) sees temperatures cooling down from the summer heat, with average highs ranging from the 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (16-22 degrees Celsius).
Overall, Rigby has distinct seasons with hot summers, cold winters, and relatively mild spring and fall seasons.
Neighborhoods
Rigby, Idaho is a small city located in Jefferson County. While Rigby itself is not divided into distinct neighborhoods, there are several nearby areas that offer a variety of amenities and housing options. Here are some notable neighboring areas of Rigby:
Jefferson
Located to the south of Rigby, Jefferson is mostly agricultural, featuring farms and ranches. It offers a rural atmosphere with larger lots and open spaces.
Menan
Situated to the east of Rigby, Menan is a small town known for its farming community. It has beautiful views of the surrounding farmland and is popular for country living.
Rigby North
North of Rigby, this area offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, schools, and undeveloped land. It is close to various amenities, including parks and recreational facilities.
Rigby South
This part of Rigby comprises residential areas, commercial establishments, and amenities like restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. It is known for its friendly atmosphere and is where you will find the city center.
Lewisville
To the west of Rigby, Lewisville is a small community with a rural feel. It offers a peaceful environment and a slower pace of life, with larger properties and farmland.
Overall, Rigby and its neighboring areas cater to different lifestyles. Whether you prefer a rural, agricultural setting or a more developed suburban environment, there are options available in and around Rigby to suit different preferences and needs.