Bellefonte, Arkansas
| Bellefonte, Arkansas | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
 Location in Boone County and the state of Arkansas |
|
| Coordinates: 36°12′0″N 93°2′49″W / 36.20000°N 93.04694°WCoordinates: 36°12′0″N 93°2′49″W / 36.20000°N 93.04694°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Boone |
| Initially Incorporated | 1882 |
| Re-Incorporated | 1963 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km2) |
| • Land | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,060 ft (323 m) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 530 |
| • Density | 666.7/sq mi (266.7/km2) |
| Time zone | Central (CST) (UTC-6) |
| • Summer (DST) | CDT (UTC-5) |
| FIPS code | 05-04900 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0076293 |
Bellefonte is a town in Boone County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 530 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Harrison Micropolitan Statistical Area. Bellefonte gained national attention in 2013 when the city's mayor, James Wiggs, was recognized as the oldest active mayor in the United States at 90 years of age.
Bellefonte is located at 36°12′0″N 93°2′49″W / 36.20000°N 93.04694°W (36.199865, -93.046975).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.5 km² (0.6 mi²), all land.
The area known as Bellefonte was originally settled by a few families. The community expanded when two stores were established. The community got its name as campers noted the beautiful springs. It was suggested the area be called "Bellefonte" for "beautiful fountains."
As there were no church organizations in the settlement, services were originally held in private homes. Circuit riders generally provided the services.
Bellefonte grew quite a bit by the second half of the 1860s. A post office was established.
By the early 1870s, what was referred to as "North Arkansas College" (not to be confused with the modern community college by the same name in Harrison, Arkansas) was founded and students from all over the state attended. In modern times, this would be considered a high school. A grade school was also established in Bellefonte around the same time.
Bellefonte continued to grow, becoming a large town. A number of businesses developed and a town square was built. (By 1939, the town square was gone.) Businesses included doctors' offices, drugstores, a livery stable, various general stores, a leather factory, saloons, a cotton gin and a flour mill.
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