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Belleville, IL

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Belleville, IL

Belleville is a city and the county seat of St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. The population was 42,404 at the 2020 census, making it the most populated city in the Metro East region of Greater St. Louis, and in all of Southern Illinois. Due to its proximity to Scott Air Force Base, the city has a significant population of military and federal civilian personnel. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belleville and home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.

Belleville is located at 38°31′18″N 89°59′43″W (38.521567, −89.995208).

According to the 2010 census, Belleville has a total area of 23.49 square miles (60.84 km²), of which 22.74 square miles (58.90 km²) (or 98.83%) is land and 0.269 square miles (0.70 km²) (or 1.17%) is water. Richland Creek flows through much of Belleville.

George Blair named the city of Belleville in 1814, after the French phrase belle ville, meaning "beautiful city". Because Blair donated an acre of his land for the town square and an additional 25 acres (10 ha) adjoining the square for the new county seat, the legislature transferred the county seat from the village of Cahokia. The latter had been established by French colonists as a mission village in the late 17th century.

Belleville was incorporated as a village in 1819 and became a city in 1850. Major immigration in the mid-19th century to this area occurred following revolutions in Germany, and most of the European-American population is of German ancestry. Many of the educated Germans fled their homeland after the failure of the German Revolution in 1848. Belleville was the center of the first important German settlement in Illinois. By 1870, an estimated 90% of the city's population was either German-born or of German descent.

After the Civil War, Belleville became a manufacturing center producing nails, printing presses, gray iron castings, agricultural equipment, and stoves. Belleville became known as "The Stove Capital of the World." The first brewery in Illinois was established in Belleville. In 1868, Gustav Goelitz founded the candy company that is known today as "Jelly Belly."

Belleville places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with St. Elizabeth's Hospital serving as a cornerstone of the city's healthcare infrastructure. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical services, ensuring the well-being of the community. Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) offers multiple locations in Chicago, each providing a range of fitness services including group classes, personal training, and specialized fitness programs. Lifetime Fitness centers are known for their large, resort-style facilities that include extensive gym equipment, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a variety of fitness classes. Chicago Athletic Clubs (CAC) offer several locations throughout the city, each providing a unique blend of modern fitness equipment, group exercise classes, personal training, and wellness programs. Equinox is a high-end fitness club known for its luxurious facilities and personalized services. The club offers a wide range of fitness classes, state-of-the-art gym equipment, personal training, and wellness programs. Planet Fitness is a popular fitness chain known for its affordable memberships and judgment-free environment. The gyms are equipped with a variety of cardio and strength training machines, and members can take advantage of amenities such as massage chairs and tanning.

Top Sites in Belleville, IL: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, St. Clair County Historical Society, William and Florence Schmidt Art Center.

Population: 42,404 (2020). ZIP Codes: 62220. Area code: 618. Elevation: 502 ft (153 m). Area: 23.49 sq mi (60.84 km²).

FAQs

What is the race population in Belleville, IL?

Belleville has a 2024 population of 40,329. It is also the county seat of St. Clair County. Belleville is currently declining at a rate of -1.18% annually and its population has decreased by -4.57% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 42,261 in 2020. White: 59.63% Black or African American: 30.59% Two or more races: 6.61% Other race: 1.94%

What is Belleville, IL famous for?

Belleville became known as "The Stove Capital of the World." The first brewery in Illinois was established in Belleville. In 1868, Gustav Goelitz founded the candy company that is known today as "Jelly Belly." An immense deposit (400,000 acres (1,600 km2)) of bituminous coal was found in St. Clair County.

Does Belleville, IL have a downtown?

There’s no place like historic Belleville. Only 20 minutes from St. Louis, Downtown Belleville is your destination for shopping, dining, and living along one of the nation's longest continuous Main Streets. There's Always Something to Do Downtown.

Sources

City of Belleville

Wikipedia

Belleville Main Street

Worldpopulationreview

St. Elizabeth's Hospital

Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC)

Lifetime Fitness

Chicago Athletic Clubs (CAC)

Equinox

Planet Fitness

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

St. Clair County Historical Society

William and Florence Schmidt Art Center

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