The panoramic metropolis that Bellevue personifies sits across Lake Washington from Seattle Washington. Once known to be a suburb of Seattle, its thriving businesses, medical and hospital facilities, shops and entertainment joints have earned it the right to be called an edge city.

Bellevue, which means ‘beautiful view’ in French has a history typical of most American cities. In 1869, the first settlers, William Meydenbauer and Aaron Mercer arrived to stake their claims in the area.

Coal had been discovered in the Coal creek area, thus attracting more settlers into the area. Mining became the main economic activity and millions of tons of coal as well as waste were produced. The waste was being disposed along the creek and this caused problems with erosion, catalyzing a project designed to stabilize the banks of coal creek and improve fish habitation.

In 1883, a schoolhouse was constructed and a post office followed. The first postmaster, Matthew Sharpe is attributed to naming the area since he had moved from Bellevue Indiana and when he saw the surrounding landscapes, was convinced it was a fitting name.

Bellevue flourished into a farming area and supplied Seattle and other areas beyond with fruits and vegetables. Japanese immigrants, who settled in the area, propagated the growing and harvesting of strawberries, an agricultural feat which birthed the Strawberry Festival in 1925. This festival is celebrated up to now, celebrating Bellevue’s history of strawberry farming through music, entertainment and auto shows, as well as a strawberry shortcake eating competition.

New residents came to the area with the introduction of a floating bridge in 1940 across Lake Washington. (Lake Washington Floating Bridge). The evergreen floating bridge, which is the longest on earth, was later constructed in 1963.

Bellevue is now a thriving business and residential community, with a city university, art museums and numerous recreational spots, and a robust history to be proud of.

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