Belleville history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Belleville dates back to 1814, when George Blair donated an acre of his land for the creation of a town square. The settlement was officially incorporated as a village in 1819 and received city status in 1850.

The city's name is derived from the French words "belle" (beautiful) and "ville" (city). It is believed that this name was chosen specifically to attract new settlers and create an appealing image for the region.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Belleville was predetermined by a combination of a favourable geographical location and administrative decisions:

• Administrative Status: A decisive moment was the decision to move the administrative centre of St. Clair County from Cahokia to Belleville. This ensured a constant influx of people connected with governance and the courts, and also stimulated the development of infrastructure.
• Geography: Unlike the low-lying and flood-prone Cahokia, Belleville was situated on high ground. This made it a safer and healthier place to live, which was a critical factor in the 19th century.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Already in the first decades of its existence, the city acquired unique features that defined its future:

• German Influence: In the mid-19th century, Belleville became a centre of attraction for German immigrants, many of whom were highly educated people who had left Europe for political reasons. They were known as "Latin Farmers," and they had a tremendous influence on the city's culture, education, and architecture.
• Industrial Boom: The discovery of rich coal deposits in the region turned Belleville into an important industrial hub in the state of Illinois. Coal mines and the subsequent development of manufacturing, including the production of cast-iron stoves and foundry work, became the foundation of the local economy for many years.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Belleville is filled with events that transformed it from a small settlement into an important regional centre. Below is a chronology of key moments in the city's development:

• 1814 — George Blair donates a plot of his land to create the town square, marking the actual founding of the city and the transfer of the St. Clair County seat to this location.
• 1819 — Belleville is officially incorporated as a village, and the first local board of trustees is formed.
• 1830s — A massive wave of German immigration begins, turning the city into a cultural and intellectual hub of the region thanks to the arrival of the "Latin Farmers."
• 1842 — The famous English writer Charles Dickens visits Belleville during his travels across America, noting the local landscapes.
• 1850 — Due to population growth and economic development, Belleville officially receives city status.
• 1866 — The Belleville Philharmonic Society is founded; its orchestra is today the second-oldest continuously performing symphony orchestra in the USA.
• Late 19th Century — The city earns the unofficial title "Stove Capital of the World" due to the high concentration of foundries and the production of cast-iron goods.
• 1917 — Scott Field (now Scott Air Force Base) opens near the city, becoming a vital employer and economic partner for the region.
• 1960s — A period of active modernisation of city infrastructure and the expansion of residential suburbs, changing the appearance of the historic centre.
• 2001 — The launch of the MetroLink light rail line provides direct and convenient transport between Belleville and downtown St. Louis.
• 2014 — The city celebrates its 200th anniversary on a grand scale, holding a series of festivals and historical reenactments in honour of the jubilee.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

The evolution of Belleville is a journey from an agricultural settlement to an important industrial, and subsequently, service centre of the St. Louis agglomeration. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern look of the city:

• Industrialisation and Coal Boom (Mid-19th — Early 20th Century). The discovery of rich coal deposits became a catalyst for economic growth. This led to the rapid development of railways and heavy industry.
  Significance: The transformation of the city into a major manufacturing hub and obtaining the status of "Stove Capital of the World."
• Architectural Heritage of German Settlers (19th Century). Mass immigration from Germany led to the formation of the unique architectural style of "brick cottages" and the creation of strong public institutions (libraries, musical societies).
  Significance: Formation of the city's cultural code and visual identity, which is preserved and protected to this day.
• Integration with Scott Air Force Base (Since 1917). The opening of the airfield, which later became Scott Air Force Base, radically changed the labour market.
  Significance: A shift in the economic vector from manufacturing to the defence sector and services. Today, the base is the largest employer in the region, ensuring the stability of the local economy.
• Creation of an Educational Cluster (1946). The founding of the college now known as Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC).
  Significance: Belleville became a centre of higher education for the entire Metro East region, attracting students and improving the qualifications of the local population.
• Transport Integration with St. Louis (2001). Extension of the MetroLink light rail line to Belleville.
  Significance: Simplification of commuting and increasing the city's appeal for those who work in the metropolis but prefer living in a calmer environment.
• Revitalisation of the Historic Centre (Modern Era). Streetscape improvement programmes and the launch of large-scale festivals, such as Art on the Square.
  Significance: Transformation of downtown from a purely commercial district into a nationally recognised centre for leisure, art, and event tourism.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Planning

The urban development of Belleville began with a classic grid of streets radiating from the central Public Square. Thanks to its location on high ground, the city avoided the chaotic construction characteristic of low-lying settlements of that time. The architectural appearance of the city is unique in that it blends typical American Midwest traditions with the strong influence of German immigrants, creating a recognisable local flair.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

Belleville's built environment clearly reflects the stages of its economic prosperity. Several key directions forming the face of the city can be highlighted:

• German Vernacular Style (Mid-19th Century). The most distinctive feature of old Belleville is the so-called "German street-bred houses". These are single-storey brick cottages built right up to the pavement, without front gardens. Simple, reliable, and functional, they reflect the pragmatism of the first German settlers.
• Victorian Eclecticism (Late 19th Century). With the growth of industrial wealth, luxurious mansions appeared in the city. In historic districts, the following dominate:
  • Italianate: Houses with low pitched roofs and decorative cornices, popular among the merchant class.
  • Queen Anne: Complex asymmetrical facades with turrets and verandas.
  • Second Empire: Buildings with characteristic mansard roofs.
• Gothic Revival (Early 20th Century). This style manifested most brightly in the city's religious architecture, symbolising the spiritual aspirations of the community.
• American Arts and Crafts and Bungalows (Early 20th Century). As the city expanded beyond its historic core, residential areas were built up with cosy bungalows featuring wide porches, characteristic of the 1910s–1930s.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

Several objects and zones play a key role in the perception of Belleville's architectural heritage:

• Cathedral of Saint Peter. A majestic example of Gothic Revival. The building was designed after Exeter Cathedral in England and is one of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals in the state of Illinois.
• Blair Historic District. Here, the finest examples of Victorian architecture are concentrated, demonstrating the wealth of the city during the industrialisation era.
• Lincoln Theatre. A restored cinema representing the Art Deco style of the 1920s, which has become an important cultural centre.
• Gustave Koerner House. A historic building in the Greek Revival style, which belonged to a prominent politician and friend of Abraham Lincoln, reflecting the early period of respectable construction.

Distinguished Personalities

Belleville has been the birthplace and home to many talented individuals whose achievements have received recognition at the national and global levels. From 19th-century politics to modern pop culture, the contribution of the city's residents to history is quite significant.

• Gustave Koerner (1809–1896) — Politician, Lawyer, and Diplomat
  A bright representative of the German intelligentsia ("Latin Farmers"). Koerner was the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, US Ambassador to Spain, and a close friend of Abraham Lincoln. He played a key role in mobilising German immigrants against slavery during the Civil War.
• Buddy Ebsen (1908–2003) — Actor and Dancer
  A Belleville native who became a Hollywood star. His career spanned over 70 years, but he gained the most fame for his role as Jed Clampett in the cult sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies".
• Jimmy Connors (born 1952) — Tennis Player
  A legend of world sports, multiple Grand Slam winner, and former world number one. Connors grew up in Belleville, where he began his training on public courts under the guidance of his mother and grandmother.
• Lyman Trumbull (1813–1896) — US Senator
  An outstanding lawyer who began his career in Belleville. He went down in history as a co-author of the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which officially abolished slavery in the country.
• Jeff Tweedy (born 1967) — Musician and Poet
  Founder of the band Wilco and co-founder of Uncle Tupelo. Tweedy is one of the key figures in the alternative country genre. His musical style and lyrics were largely formed under the influence of life in Belleville.
• Bob Goalby (1929–2022) — Professional Golfer
  Winner of the prestigious Masters Tournament in 1968. Throughout his life, Goalby maintained ties with his hometown and actively promoted golf among the youth of Illinois.
• Ken Kwapis (born 1957) — Director and Producer
  A famous Hollywood director who worked on such hits as the TV series "The Office" (US version) and the film "He's Just Not That Into You". He was born and spent his school years in Belleville.