Ben Justman

Bellevue (Images of America) Ben Justman

Bellevue received its French name, meaning "beautiful view," from

fur trader Manuel Lisa as he stood high atop a hill, looking out

at the scenic Missouri River Valley before him, or so the legend goes.

Two hundred years after Lisa's proclamation, Bellevue has grown

to become a sprawling metropolis proudly recognized as the third

largest city in Nebraska. However, the story could have ended long

before this. Bellevue was originally supposed to serve as an important

railroad thoroughfare and as the first capital of the Nebraska Territory.

Neither of these ultimately happened. Yet, Bellevue has persevered

onwards and upwards. From its origins as little more than a trading

post for westward travelers and Native Americans, to serving as the

headquarters for the former Strategic Air Command at the onset of

the modern jet age, Bellevue has taken a remarkable journey.