River Mile: 469

Population: 5,548

U.S. Census Profile

Bellevue was incorporated in 1870 on land first granted to Gen. James Taylor, who fought in the War of 1812 and was also a banker and one of the wealthier early settlers of Kentucky. The town’s name—French for “beautiful view”—wasn’t because of the lovely river vista, but rather was after Taylor’s home plantation in Virginia. With only 381 inhabitants at incorporation, the city thrived in the late 1800s, with a city directory listing 15 grocery stores, four bakeries, six boot makers, seven confectionaries, two livery stables, a blacksmith, three millenaries, six doctors, seven saloons and a wagon maker. Queen City Beach opened in 1902 and was one of the largest inland beach resorts in the country. Its popularity waned as the river waters grew more polluted, and the beaches were wiped out as water levels rose with the construction of the Ohio River locks and dams. Today, the town is home to many commuters working in Cincinnati.