Belleville ~ Illinois ~ 62220

Location

History

The first railroad built in Illinois was built in Belleville in 1836 and served mines in the area with six miles of roadway to the Mississippi River.  The first macadamized road ever constructed in Illinois was built from Belleville to East St. Louis, a distance of 14 miles.

The first circulating library in the state of Illinois was organized in Belleville in 1836.  This library has functioned continuously for more than 100 years, giving Belleville the distinction of having the oldest library in Illinois.

The rich farmlands of the Belleville Illinois area have consistently throughout the years provided economic stability and today play a vital part in the state, which leads the nation in agricultural exports.

Attractions

Belleville has 13 city parks with more than 150 acres.  Citizen's Park in west Belleville is the largest.  In addition to facilities, various recreational and educational programs are offered.  The community has four private country clubs, 11 movie screens, five golf courses, a public swimming pool, a skating center and five bowling centers.

Community concerts and outstanding religious pageantry of the nation's largest outdoor Catholic Shrine, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, complement the wide choice of recreational opportunities in and around the community.

Summary

Progressive government, quality education, outstanding health care and community participation continue to attract discerning people who choose to live in Belleville -- not just for its close proximity to the metropolitan facilities, but for a more important reason:  They come to enjoy that special feeling of belonging and a feeling of community pride and participation that expands the lives of Belleville families.