City of Belleview

The City of Belleview was founded in 1885 around Nine Mile Pond, which today is known as Lake Lillian. Nine Mile Pond received its name because it was a pond nine miles away from the larger settlement of Ocala. It is said that Belleview got its name after the daughter of one of the founders, but that story has largely been discounted. Belleview actually gets its name from the French words “belle” and “view” which mean “beautiful vistas” which can be seen around the town.

The CSX Railroad Line running through Belleview along Baseline Road was an important part of Belleview’s growth in industry and tourism. A train depot built in 1884 sparked tourism and industry which included an ax handle factory, canneries for tomatoes and boiled peanuts, a saw mill, and a turpentine distillery. In the early 1900s, US-441 was just a narrow dirt road running through Belleview as part of the Dixie Highway, which was a main route for tourists coming from the North. In 1913, County Road 484 was only a well-worn bicycle path that stretched for 2-3 miles.

As a focal point of our “City with a Small Town Charm” many events are held at Lake Lillian every year. During the winter months Light Up Lake Lillian takes place and the entire lake glows with holiday cheer. In the beginning of spring an Easter Egg Hunt is hosted, and in October an annual arts and crafts event takes place that celebrates the history of Lake Lillian and Belleview in the Nine Mile Pond event. Other events in the City include the yearly Christmas Parade and the Founder’s Day Celebration at City Hall Park, which includes food, vendors, and a beauty pageant.