Construction of “Bellevue Acres” began in 1937 with a one room cabin and by 1941 when it incorporated had already grown to a population of 1400. Like many local towns, it was originally home to many hard-working coal miners. Bellevue was once also home to the popular drive-in by the same name. It has remained a quiet slice of Peoria, now boasting just over 2000 residents.