Bellevue is a city in Jackson County, Wisconsin, USA. The population was 886 at the 2020 census. Bellevue is part of the La Crosse, WI-MN, Metropolitan Statistical Area.
The first settlement in the area now known as Bellevue was made in 1855 by H.H. Peck, who built a cabin at the edge of a large prairie, known locally as the "Grand prairie." Peck moved on to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, but other settlers soon followed.
When the La Crosse Railroad passed through the area in 1862, the community was identified as "Section 21." In 1870, the community was identified as Bellevue, reflecting the community's high point of view. The Village of Bellevue was incorporated in 1877.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bellevue has a total area of 7.5 square miles.
Bellevue is known for its farmland and is sometimes referred to as the "Switzerland of America."
The city hosts several annual events, including the Bellevue Christmas Parade and the Bellevue Street dances.
The city also has several local businesses, including Triple Play Bar and Grill and Jim's Restaurant and Bar.
Bellevue is located in Jackson County in west central Wisconsin, along Interstate-94. It is part of the La Crosse,wi-MN, Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Mississippi River forms the western boundary of the county, which stretches south to Lansing Iowa, and north past Ettrick. Other adjacent communities include Bangor, Sparta, and Holmen. West Salem and La Crosse are just to the west.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.8 square miles (90.2 km²), of which, 34.4 square miles (89.1 km²) of it is land and 0.3 square miles (1.0 km²) of it is water.
Bellevue is about 25 miles south of the city. of La Crosse and 18 miles northwest of Sparta.
As of the census of 2010, there were 874 people, 331 households, and 246 families living in the city. The population density was 25.1 inhabitants per square mile. There were 363 housing units at an average density of 10.7 per square mile. The ratio of males to females was 1.02.
The median age in the city was 38.3 years. 24.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.2% were from 25 to 44; 33.6% were from 45 to 64,; and 15.4% were 65 years of age or older. The ethnic makeup of the city was 96.7% White, 0.6 Asian, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.
There were 331 households, out of which 42.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.4% were married couples living together, 4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. Individuals made up 25.4% of households. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.23.
The city's median household income was $69,875, and the median family income was $80,417. Males had a median income of $46,563 versus $34,688 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,610. About 2.7% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.
The community is served by the School District of Bangor, and students attend Bangor High School.
The city is served by the Western Courier, a weekly newspaper that covers local news and events, as well as the La Crosse Tribune.
Historical events:
1873: Bellevue was platted by Simon Beaver and was a major supplier of cordwood to the city of La Crosse.
1880: The village had a population of 275, mostly of German and Norwegian descent.
1885: Bellevue creamery was organized, and by 1890 it had became one of the largest creameries in the state, shipping over 700,000 pounds. of butter and 1,500,000 pounds of cheese annually.
Railroad history
In 1862, the railroad, which would become part of the Southern Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, was built through the area now know as Bellevue. At the time, the area was called Section 21 because it was located in Section 21 of the township.
Later, when the community was organized, it was named Bellevue. The Railroad was completed December 18, 1862, when a crew of Irish laborers laid the last rail, completing a line running from Prairie du Chien, through La Crosse, to Winona, Minnesota.
Bellevue is located in Jackson County, along Interstate-94, which connects to the city's major businesses and attractions. The area is surrounded by fertile farmland and is known as the "Switzerland of America."
Local attractions include the Bellevue Street Dance, which takes place in June and features live music, food, and games for all ages, and the Bellevue Hallow Parade, which takes place in October and features a haunted house, costume contest, and games for all ages. Triple Play Bar and Grill, Jim's Restaurant and Bar.
The Bellevue area is also home to several parks and nature preserves, including the Bellevue Wildlife Area and the La Crosse River State Trail. The area is known for its historical significance and its Native American heritage, and is home to several historical sites and museums, including the Jackson County Historical Society Museum and the Prairie du Chien Museum.
The Bellevue Public Library is located in the city and offers a variety of resources and services, including books, movies, audio books, magazines, genealogy resources, and programs for adults and children.
Bellevue has several hotels, including the Super 8 by Wyndham La Crosse, America's Best Value Inn La Crosse, and the Days Inn by Wyndham La Crosse.
Overall, Bellevue has a lot to offer, including its rich history, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm. So next time you're in the La Crosse area, be sure to stop by and experience all that Bellevue has to offer!