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Bellefontaine, OH

Frequently asked questions

Bellefontaine, OH

Bellefontaine is a city in, and the county seat of, Logan County, Ohio, United States, located 48 miles (77 km) northwest of Columbus. The population was 14,115 at the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Bellefontaine micropolitan area, which includes all of Logan County. The highest point in Ohio, Campbell Hill, is within the city limits. According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 10.04 square miles (26.0 km²), all land.

The name Bellefontaine means "beautiful spring" in French, and is purported to refer to several springs in the area. However, locally, the original French pronunciation is not used, and it is pronounced "bell fountain."

Around 1777, the Shawnee war chief Blue Jacket (Weyapiersenwah) built a settlement here, known as "Blue Jacket's Town". Blue Jacket and his band had previously occupied a village along the Scioto River, but the American Revolutionary War had reached the Ohio Country. Blue Jacket and other American Indians who took up arms against the American revolutionaries relocated to be closer to their British allies in Detroit.

After the United States gained independence, its forces continued warfare against former Indian allies of the British. Blue Jacket's Town was destroyed in Logan's Raid, conducted by the Kentucky militia in 1786 at the outset of the Northwest Indian War. The expedition was led by Benjamin Logan, namesake of Logan County. Blue Jacket and his followers relocated further northwest to the Maumee River.

Beginning in the 1800s, American Revolutionary War veterans and others from Virginia and elsewhere began settling in the area of Blue Jacket's Town. Bellefontaine is on or near the edge of the Virginia Military District, where the cash-poor government granted tracts of land to veterans in payment for their services during the war. The Treaty of Greenville defined lands to be held by European Americans as separate from those to be held by natives but it was poorly administered in the area and whites frequently encroached on native lands.

Bellefontaine was platted by European Americans in 1820 and incorporated by the legislature in 1835. In 1837, the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad built the first railroad to Bellefontaine. This began its reputation as a railroading town. In the 1890s the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway (also called the Big Four Railroad) built a main terminal in the city. This terminal boasted the largest roundhouse between New York and St. Louis.

Though railroading hit hard times the industry went through a radical restructuring in the late 20th century, and the Big Four terminal ceased operations in 1983, Bellefontaine remains a landmark on America's railways. The city is now just a thoroughfare for CSX.

Health and wellness are paramount in Bellefontaine, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. Primary Care stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness, Loco Depot Training Station, and Jazzercise. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Bellefontaine, such as the Myeerah Nature Preserve and Southview Park & William Biff Roberts Athletic Complex. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Bellefontaine, OH are Campbell Hill, Mad River Mountain, and Ohio Caverns.

Population: 14,073 (2023). ZIP code: 43311. Area codes: 937, 326. Elevation: 1,240 ft (380 m). Area: 10.10 sq mi (26.17 km²).

FAQs

Why does Bellefontaine, OH have a pineapple fountain?

Interestingly enough, the bell that was ordered was somehow accidentally sent to Hawaii. Yes, of all places for our bell to end up, it ended up in Hawaii, the Aloha State. So, while a town in Hawaii received our bell, Bellefontaine acquired that same town’s pineapple. To complete the fountain, the pineapple was installed in place of the planned-upon bell. 

What is the crime rate in Bellefontaine, OH?

Bellefontaine has an overall crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Bellefontaine is 1 in 112. Understanding these crime statistics can help residents and authorities alike in devising effective strategies to ensure the continued well-being and security of the community.

What is the median household income in Bellefontaine, OH?

In 2022, the median household income of Bellefontaine households was $58,402. Understanding the median household income is crucial for various purposes, such as assessing affordability, gauging economic prosperity, and planning social programs and services. With this information, policymakers, businesses, and community organizations can make informed decisions aimed at enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities for Bellefontaine residents.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of  Bellefontaine

Primary Care

Bellefontaine Parks and Recreation Department 

Anytime Fitness

Loco Depot Training Station 

Jazzercise

Myeerah Nature Preserve 

Southview Park & William Biff Roberts Athletic Complex

Campbell Hill

Mad River Mountain

Ohio Caverns

Downtown Bellefontaine

NeighborhoodScout

Ohio Demographics

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