Waterloo in Monroe County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Bellefontaine House
Photographed By Kylie Jackson, September 29, 2019
1. Bellefontaine House Marker
Inscription.
Bellefontaine House. . Bellefontaine was one of the first settlements made by Americans in what is now Illinois. The earliest settlers included families of Revolutionary War veterans who had served with George Rogers Clark. Captain James Moore brought a band of pioneers from Virginia and Maryland in the winter of 1781-1782. The settlement took its name from a nearby spring the French called "La Belle Fontaine" (Beautiful Spring). The 1800 federal census showed that Bellefontaine, with 286 inhabitants, had become the third largest community in the Illinois territory.
Bellefontaine was one of the first settlements made by Americans in what is now Illinois. The earliest settlers included families of Revolutionary War veterans who had served with George Rogers Clark. Captain James Moore brought a band of pioneers from Virginia and Maryland in the winter of 1781-1782. The settlement took its name from a nearby spring the French called "La Belle Fontaine" (Beautiful Spring). The 1800 federal census showed that Bellefontaine, with 286 inhabitants, had become the third largest community in the Illinois territory.
Erected 1976 by The Monroe County Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1781.
Location. 38° 19.612′ N, 90° 9.053′ W. Marker is in Waterloo, Illinois, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from S Church Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 709 South Church Street, Waterloo IL 62298, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. La Belle Fontaine (a few steps from this marker); James Moore Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker);
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2019. This page has been viewed 478 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2019, by Kylie Jackson of Waterloo, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
