The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dam on the Kootenai River just upstream of Libby, Montana, was years in the making. Beginning in the early 20th century, many factions set out to build a dam, and many of them focused their energy on Kootenai Falls, 15 miles downstream. The folks of Libby were not for it, for it would take their town away.

Instead, the dam was finally built, starting in 1964 with preliminary work, about 35 miles above Libby. Lake Koocanusa (Kootenai Canada USA) resulted, extending all the way to the. border and 40 miles beyond. In the path of the flooding were many small communities, farms, wood lots, resorts and other human constructions. Author Aarstad not only tells the story of the monumental efforts taken by Morrison-Knudtson, the Corps and dozens of contractors to capture the river, but also the tales of the places that were flooded.

This book was published by Blue Creek Press for the Libby Dam Cooperative Association, with assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.