Bellevue in Sarpy County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Bellevue

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, July 14, 2023

1. Bellevue Marker

Inscription. Bellevue, gateway to the upper Missouri and the fur trade empire, is the oldest continuous settlement in Nebraska. This town was born, became important, almost died, and now in the 20th century, has been revitalized. Fur traders dealing with the Omaha, Ponca. Oto. and Pawnee, first gave it life. Manuel Lisa probably named it for the beautiful view at the junction of the Platte and Missouri valleys.

In 1823, an Indian Agency was established in Bellevue. Here and at the Peter Sarpy fur trading post travelers such as Prince Maximilian. Carl Bodmer, George Catlin, and John C. Fremont, were welcomed. By 1846 Bellevue was a steamboat landing and the site of an important Indian Mission. Here Francis Burt, the first territorial governor, arrived in 1854, and the first territorial newspaper, the Nebraska Palladium, was published.

When the territorial capital was located at Omaha, and the Pacific Railroad was routed to the north, Bellevue faded. In the 1940's the town was rejuvenated when thousands of military personnel, who man the Strategic Air Command center of defense for the western world, made Bellevue their home.

Erected by Sarpy County Historical Society Historical Landmark Council. (Marker Number 12.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed

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in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1823.

Location. 41° 8.42′ N, 95° 53.611′ W. Marker is in Bellevue, Nebraska, in Sarpy County. It is on Franklin Street, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located in Washington Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bellevue NE 68005, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in Greater Omaha.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Astorian Expedition (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bellevue Log Cabin (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Bellevue (about 500 feet away); Fontenelle Bank - County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Bellevue Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Big Elk, Bellevue Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Oto Mission (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellevue.

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, July 14, 2023

2. Bellevue Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 541 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 20, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.