Chief Mountain Border Station and Quarters

The Chief Mountain Border Station and Quarters is a customs station on the Canada–United States border in Glacier County, Montana. Located on Montana Highway 17, the station is operated seasonally, primarily for tourist traffic between Glacier National Park in Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta. The station is named after Chief Mountain, a prominent peak in the vicinity. The station is owned by the General Services Administration and operated by the U.S. Customs Service, and is located within the boundaries of Glacier National Park. The station is a notable example of the National Park Service Rustic style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.DescriptionThe Chief Mountain International Highway was completed in 1936. The customs station was built in 1939, designed by A. Paul Brown of the National Park Service. The 1-1/2 story structure is built of wood frame on a rubble stone foundation. The lower level is framed with posts and beams, while the upper portion is of light frame construction. The station is now sheathed in aluminum siding that mimics wood lap siding. The wood shingle roof was stained green, but has weathered to a natural gray. There are four stone chimneys. The interior retains much of its historic fabric, although almost all light fixtures have been replaced.