It is my great pleasure to introduce you to Belleville’s many special attributes, and I hope you will be able to experience our city in person.
Established in 1814, Belleville has over 200 years of history, tradition and progress. Opportunities abound in Belleville. The City of Belleville is committed to education at all levels. Excellent schools are available, from “Gold Medal” elementary education to expanded higher education opportunities at Southwestern Illinois College and Lindenwood University. With Art on the Square, the No. 1 Art Show in the nation, the Belleville Philharmonic Society, the St. Clair County Historical Society, literary study groups, and Illinois’ first library system indicate Belleville’s rich heritage and culture. Our three local and two National Register historic districts proudly exhibit the fruits of dedicated preservationists, while our clean, safe neighborhoods – both well established and new – provide perfect homes for raising families.
Belleville, the county seat of St. Clair County, is located five minutes from Scott Air Force Base and 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Belleville is not only a great place to live, but also is a great place to work. Perfectly situated near highways 15, 159, 177, 13 and 161, and not too far from I-255 and I-64, businesses find our location convenient and comfortable. Belleville is proud to offer MetroLink, a light rail transportation system that runs from Scott AFB to Lambert International Airport in St. Louis with three stations for parking and boarding in Belleville. Our medical services are among the best in Southern Illinois, and Belleville is also the financial center of the region.
Shopping in Belleville provides something for everyone. We feature a wide array of shops, from large retail stores to smaller antique, clothing, hardware, lumber, photo, specialty and sporting goods stores. We feature a number of fine eating establishments as well. We also have a vibrant downtown with unique shopping and dining. Our supermarkets are state-of-the-art, and our country-fresh produce stores are simply the best. The rich farmlands of the Belleville area have consistently provided economic stability. The nearby Eckert’s Orchards and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows attract thousands of visitors each year. St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Belleville is the largest cathedral in the state of Illinois. All major religious denominations are represented. Add the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, sports complexes, little leagues, movie theaters, parks, bike trails, a daily newspaper, and an enthusiastic group of service organizations, and it is clear that Belleville is the perfect place to live and work. Belleville has it all!
Mark W. Eckert
Mayor, The City of Belleville