Perhaps you’ve wondered how a town gets its name. The story of Belle Plaine begins with a judge and a beautiful prairie. This is Belle Plaine. It is a city with a name that means “Beautiful Prairie” in French.
In 1853, Minnesota Territorial Supreme Court Judge Andrew G. Chatfield was traveling. He journeyed from Mendota to Traverse des Sioux. He had to hold court. Belle Plaine was the halfway point on his route. He chose this spot as the townsite and named it Belle Plaine.
Belle Plaine became a borough in 1868. It was Minnesota’s only borough. That changed in 1974. The borough became a city.
The Minnesota State Legislature took action in 1870. They wanted to help develop salt springs. The legislature donated six pieces of state-owned salt land. There were conditions. A well had to be drilled at Belle Plaine. The Belle Plaine Salt Company received further aid a year later.
Belle Plaine sits in the Minnesota River Valley. Glaciers once covered this area. When they receded, they left many lakes. The ancient river’s banks are still visible today. They form the slopes of the valley around Belle Plaine.
U.S. Highway 169 runs through Belle Plaine. It connects Virginia to Iowa. It passes through Minneapolis and Mankato. This highway made a big difference. Belle Plaine experienced a residential boom.
Belle Plaine has changed over time. In 1870, nearly 1,000 people lived here. Today, Belle Plaine is still growing. The population was 7,395 in 2020. By 2021, it was estimated to be 7,396.
Belle Plaine Public Schools educate nearly 1,500 students. There are two elementary schools. Chatfield Elementary has preschool through second grade. Oakcrest Elementary has third through sixth grade. Belle Plaine Junior/Senior High School serves grades seven through twelve.
Belle Plaine has a motto. It is “A City That Works”. This reflects the community’s values. Neighbors and volunteers invest in Belle Plaine. They value its present and future.
The Minnesota River played a big role. It was a recreation area and a border. Belle Plaine became a popular stop. Settlers arrived daily. The river helped the city grow. So, as you explore Belle Plaine, remember its origins. From a judge’s journey to a thriving city.