Belpre

History

The first settlement at Belpre was made in 1788. In 1845 railroad developers founded the Belpre and Cincinnati Railroad, but the destination was changed to Marietta, with a corresponding name change in 1851. For a considerable period of time, travelers had to go by steamboat to connect between Marietta and Parkersburg, Virginia; the latter received service from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1857. This was shortly before the western part of Virginia seceded in 1861 after the start of the American Civil War to form Unionist West Virginia. Belpre and Marietta were later connected by rail. Coal service is still active on this line. From 1868–1870, the B&O built the Parkersburg Bridge (CSX) between West Virginia and Belpre, on its main line to St. Louis, Missouri. Designed by Jacob Linville, when completed in 1870 the bridge was reportedly the longest in the world at . The bridge attracted more trade to the town, enabled shipping Ohio coal to the East Coast, and improved access on both sides of the river. Developing in a different pattern from the more industrial cities of eastern Ohio, Belpre reached its peak of population in 1980. It has had some losses since then with the decline of heavy industry, but is relatively stable compared to the former industrial cities, which have lost half their residents since peaks in 1940 and 1950. A small settlement, Rockland, has been absorbed into the Belpre community.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Belpre has a Humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Warren Elementary School
  Elementary · Vincent · 781 students · 21.1:1 ratio
• Warren Middle School
  Middle · Vincent · 651 students · 21:1 ratio
• Warren High School
  High · Vincent · 577 students · 19.2:1 ratio
• Belpre Elementary School
  Elementary · Belpre · 497 students · 16.6:1 ratio
• Belpre High School
  High · Belpre · 392 students · 17.8:1 ratio
• Belpre Blue Sky Academy
  Other · Belpre · 9 students
• WARRIOR ACADEMY
  Other · Vincent