Bellevue

History

The land on which the borough now sits was once part of the Depreciation Lands reserved for Revolutionary War veterans. The first landowners in the area were James Robinson and Hugh Henry Brackenridge, who purchased parcels in 1799 and 1792, respectively. By the late 19th century, the borough was described as combining "healthfulness, accessibility, and beautiful natural scenery," The name “Bellevue” was chosen by J. J. East, a linguist and early resident, and means “beautiful view.” The community's post office, originally established under the name Robella, was renamed "Bellevue" on April 16, 1887. A 2011 referendum to allow limited alcohol sales at certain establishments was defeated, but a similar measure passed in 2015. Bellevue contains over 1,000 buildings over 100 years old. In 2016, to recognize 150 years since the borough's founding, Bellevue's Community Development Corporation (CDC), Bona Fide Bellevue, launched a historic building plaque program, consisting of inventorying all the buildings in Bellevue. Of over 2,600 buildings, just over 730 had been approved locally "historic." Over 150 property owners voluntarily elected to purchase a plaque signifying the historic nature of their buildings. Three buildings have been further recognized as historic: *Andrew Bayne House - 34 North Balph Avenue - built 1875. Andrew Bayne Public Library. Recognized by Pittsburgh History Landmarks Foundation (PHLF). *Andrew S. and Elizabeth Miller House - 366 Lincoln Avenue - built 1902. Currently a restaurant. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 and recognized by PHLF. *Marius Rousseau House - 100 Watkins Avenue - built 1906. Private residence. Recognized by PHLF.

Geography

Bellevue is located at . According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of , of which is land and , or 9.09%, is water. Its average elevation is above sea level. Bellevue has three land borders with Avalon to the northwest, Ross Township to the north and east, and the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Brighton Heights to the southeast. Across the Ohio River to the southwest, Bellevue adjoins Stowe Township.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• North Allegheny HS
  High · Wexford · 2,666 students · 13.5:1 ratio
• Mt Lebanon SHS
  High · Pittsburgh · 1,840 students · 14.6:1 ratio
• North Hills SHS
  High · Pittsburgh · 1,383 students · 13.6:1 ratio
• Pittsburgh Allderdice HS
  High · Pittsburgh · 1,362 students · 13.1:1 ratio
• Fox Chapel Area HS
  High · Pittsburgh · 1,283 students · 13.6:1 ratio
• Pennsylvania Distance Learning CS
  Other · Sewickley · 1,226 students · 11.9:1 ratio
• Shaler Area HS
  High · Pittsburgh · 1,225 students · 11.9:1 ratio
• Moon SHS
  High · Moon Township · 1,218 students · 13.7:1 ratio