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Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

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Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO

Bellefontaine Neighbors is an inner-ring suburb city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 10,860 at the 2010 census.

The history of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri, can be traced back to the mid-1800s when the area was part of the Louisiana Territory, which was ceded by France to Spain in 1762 in the Treaty of Fontainebleau. Spanish military authorities constructed forts near the mouth of the Missouri River to strengthen their hold on the territory and discourage intruders from the east. Captain Rios, who was dispatched to the area, established forts near the present-day locations of Spanish Pond (or Spanish Lake) and Fort San Carlos in St. Louis.

In 1800, Spain ceded the territory west of the Mississippi River back to France, which then sold it to the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. In 1804, a treaty was made with the Sac and Fox Indians that led to the establishment of a trading post on the south bank of the Missouri River. The area was chosen for its natural advantages, including a large clear water spring called "la belle fontaine" by the early French settlers.

By the winter of 1805, Fort Bellefontaine was constructed under the command of Colonel Jacob Kingsbury, with log cabins, a trading house, a bakery, a blacksmith shop, and huts for enlisted soldiers. General Daniel Bissell served as the military commander of the territory and resided at Fort Bellefontaine for several years. The fort was connected to St. Louis by a trail that eventually evolved into present-day Bellefontaine Road.

Fort Bellefontaine was abandoned in 1834, and the surrounding land was divided into land grants. The area that is now Bellefontaine Neighbors was made up of land grants issued by Spanish, French, and American officials. Notable landowners in the area included General Daniel Bissell, who purchased land through public land sales, and Dr. James W. Gibson, who built his home "Forest Home" in the area in 1832.

The area remained primarily agricultural until the 1950s when a building boom following World War II led to the construction of subdivisions and a population increase. Bellefontaine Neighbors was incorporated as a fourth-class city in 1950, with a population of 766 people. At the time, the city had 18 streets, one public school, and one church, the Bellefontaine Methodist Church.

Between 1950 and 1960, the population of Bellefontaine Neighbors grew rapidly, reaching 13,650 people by 1960. The growth resulted in the construction of new churches, such as St. Jerome's Catholic Church, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Bellefontaine Neighbors Baptist Church, Grace Lutheran Chapel, and Frieden's Evangelical and Reformed Church. Additionally, the number of schools in the city increased, with Gibson Elementary, Danforth Elementary, Grace Lutheran, Stormin Academy, and Riverview Gardens Senior High School now serving the community.

The city administration of Bellefontaine Neighbors has evolved since its incorporation, with A. W. Schnur was appointed as the first mayor in 1950. The city is divided into four wards and operates under a Mayor-Aldermen form of government, with the mayor and aldermen elected to four-year terms. Elections are held on the first Tuesday in April.

Bellefontaine Neighbors is a second-ring northern suburb of St. Louis. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.32 square miles (11.19 km2), all land.

Bellefontaine Neighbors places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Healthcare facilities like Christian Hospital and Barnes-Jewish Hospital ensure that residents have access to top-notch medical services. The Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center provides excellent facilities including an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness studio, weight room, and racquetball courts, making it a hub for fitness enthusiasts. For a more personalized fitness experience, Get Sexy Movement Fitness Studio offers highly-rated classes. Forestwood Park is another great spot for outdoor activities and relaxation. Those looking for health and wellness services can visit Nirvana Aesthetics Health and Wellness, which provides a variety of treatments to enhance overall health. For those interested in physical wellness, Planet Fitness offers comprehensive fitness programs.
 

Top Sites in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO: Tanglewood Park, Spanish Lake Park, and Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
 

Population: 10,447 (2022). Area: 4.32 square miles (11.19 km2). Area Code: 314. ZIP Code: 63137. Elevation: 492 ft (150 m).
 

FAQs

What are the demographics of Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO?

Bellefontaine Neighbors is a city located in St. Louis County and St. Louis City Missouri. Bellefontaine Neighbors has a 2024 population of 10,194. Bellefontaine Neighbors is currently declining at a rate of -1.22% annually and its population has decreased by -4.73% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 10,700 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Bellefontaine Neighbors was: Black or African American: 80.24%, White: 16.82%, Two or more races: 2.94%, Native American: 0%, Asian: 0%, Native, Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%, Other race: 0%.

What county is Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO?

Bellefontaine Neighbors is an inner-ring suburb city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. The population was 10,860 at the 2010 census. Bellefontaine Neighbors is a second-ring northern suburb of St. Louis. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.32 square miles (11.19 km2), all land.

Is Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO a good place to live?

Bellefontaine Neighbors is in St. Louis County. Living in Bellefontaine Neighbors offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes. In Bellefontaine Neighbors, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Bellefontaine Neighbors and residents tend to be liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Bellefontaine Neighbors

Niche

World Population Review

Tanglewood Park

Spanish Lake Park

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Christian Hospital

Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center

Get Sexy Movement Fitness Studio

Forestwood Park

Nirvana Aesthetics Health and Wellness

Planet Fitness

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