Bellevue, Michigan - 49021

Bellevue is located in the extreme southwest corner of Eaton County along M-78. This was the first community formed in Eaton County, first settled by Reuben Fitzgerald in 1833. It was the county seat from 1838 to 1840 and named for its pleasant location. It was incorporated as a village in 1867.

A special kind of limestone, later known as Eaton Sandstone, (also seen in Eaton Rapids and Grand Ledge along the Grand River), was discovered here in the mid 1800’s and was found to be good building material: the Dyer Kiln was built in 1880, which provided mortar for the State Capital Building, remaining open until 1899. Its ruins can still be seen only a quarter mile south of M-78 west of town. (Just follow the historical marker sign).

Bellevue today retains its small town atmosphere, supported primarily by agriculture and small manufacturing. Situated on Battle Creek, its picturesque location includes a dam and couple of parks. The stately city hall building stands at the central intersection downtown, appropriately made with home-town building materials!