By: Sarah Boha
“La Belle Fonte!” Exclaimed French Ambassador Charles
Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord; and with his complement to the central spring,
the Victorian town that we know today as Bellefonte was named. “Victorian charm in a modern world”, is
scrolled across the top of the www.bellefonte.com
website; the influence of history through the first plotting of Pennsylvania
lands and the evolution of the town with references to Victorian architecture
is what Bellefonte exudes today. Walking
down High St. in Bellefonte, you can’t ignore the architectural influences of Classic
Revival, Georgian and Queen Anne styles mixed with 21st century
business; Cool Beans Coffee and Tea, The Governor’s Pub and the newest fashion
boutique Halo. The thriving of old and
new harmonizing together is what makes Bellefonte unique, historical and a
wonderful choice to consider if you’re thinking of moving to the Central
Pennsylvania area.
Brief History of
Bellefonte
It all began when James Dunlop plotted out the lines of
Bellefonte in 1795. With his son-in-law
James Harris they are accredited for building the first home which sits on the
corner of High and Spring Streets. In
1805, the iconic courthouse was constructed with many additions following
throughout the years. The four cross
streets that intersect in front of the courthouse is representative of the
Pennsylvanian Diamond model that was popular in the first founding of
Pennsylvania towns.
As Bellefonte continued to build, it became the home of many
of the earliest governors of Pennsylvania and two other states; James Addams
Beaver, Governor of Pennsylvania 1887-1891, also served as the President of the
Board of Trustees at Penn State for 24 years, John Bigler, Governor of
California 1852-1856, had roots in Centre County before moving to California
during the gold rush, William Bigler, Governor of Pennsylvania 1852-1855,
brother to John Bigler, Andrew Gregg Curtain, Governor of Pennsylvania
1861-1871, Curtain was born in Bellefonte and was an early supporter of Abraham
Lincoln. There would be two more
Governors of Pennsylvania, Daniel Hastings and William F. Packer, both of whom
grew up in Central Pennsylvania.
Bellefonte continued to boom, rich in iron to become the
town we know today.
Where to Live in
Bellefonte
With riveting history, ever changing architecture and great
location with wonderful amenities; you may be finding yourself considering
Bellefonte in your home search. If
you’re a consumer of real estate in the Bellefonte and Pleasant Gap area, you
have an array of choices. There are
homes that are the epitome of country living with stunning mountain views;
developments such as SteepleChase or Grove Park are an excellent place to
start. Springfield, Robinwood and Forest
Heights are also excellent choices for serene living amongst the countryside
and farms of Bellefonte. For more
information about neighborhoods, new constructions and or if you would like to
talk with a Realtor about what you’re looking for in a Bellefonte home; visit
our website, http://www.annetteyorksgroup.com/community/area/16823/
to learn more or contact our team in office, (814)272-6111 to set up a
consultation.
History stemming from Bellefonte would go on to shape the
surrounding area, including the street names we know today on Penn State’s
University Park Campus; Curtain St., Bigler St. both on campus and the most
notably Beaver Ave. in downtown State College.
Today, Bellefonte continues to evolve with new construction, business
and is drawing attention from consumers outside the state of Pennsylvania as a
great community to live. Call our group
today if you’d like to become part of the continued history of Bellefonte,
PA.
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