The Bellefontaine House & Monroe County Historical Society

The Bellefontaine House & Monroe County Historical Society Bellefontaine House lies on first American settlement in the State of Illinois and the second American settlement in the Northwest Territory.

Established by Captain James Moore, James Garrison, Robert Kidd, Shadrach Bond and Larkin Rutherford.

Thank you to all of the service men, women and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🙏🏼🇺🇸...
05/24/2026

Thank you to all of the service men, women and their families who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🙏🏼🇺🇸 We will be closed in honor of the holiday.

We love visits from students! Teachers, give us a shout out if you would like to arrange a tour. We will be happy to arr...
05/19/2026

We love visits from students! Teachers, give us a shout out if you would like to arrange a tour. We will be happy to arrange a private guided tour for classes. The students really enjoy seeing history in person at the Bellefontaine House.🥰

05/16/2026

Stop by for a visit at the Bellefontaine House this Sunday 1pm-4pm

These six commemorative coins are now available. Bellefontaine House is proud to be on one of the pieces. Please read ar...
05/13/2026

These six commemorative coins are now available. Bellefontaine House is proud to be on one of the pieces. Please read article for more information. Happy 250th birthday, USA!

Residents of Monroe County have already been active in celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial, and both the county and local municipalities have recently provided a way for locals to commemorate this…

05/08/2026

Just a friendly reminder, Bellefontaine House will be closed on Sunday (5/10)

05/07/2026

Introducing one of our board officers for 2026 - Carol Sondag
Top 10 Questions:
1) How long have you been a Board Officer at The Bellefontaine House & Monroe County Historical Society?
⭐️I have been a member for 22 years. A Board Officer for 20 years
2)Are you a member of other community organizations?
⭐️ Monroe County Genealogy, The Monroe County Fair, Alter Guild Society at Holy Cross
3) Where are you currently working, or where was your last position prior to retirement?
⭐️ Monroe County Farm Bureau - Maintenance Department
4) Any tips for new members of BH&MCHS?
⭐️ Become a member and get involved, you are always learning something.
5) What do you like most about being a Board Officer?
⭐️Keeping a record of what happened in the past and current to ensure there are records for the next generation.
6) What has been your greatest achievement as a volunteer?
⭐️ Helping take care of the property and keeping the records.
7) What makes the Bellefontaine House unique?
⭐️ The fact that it is still here due to the efforts of the community. It is a respected landmark, we are fortunate to have this in our backyard.
8) Why is it important to preserve this historical site?
⭐️ For future generations.
9) What is something that people would be surprised to find out about you?
⭐️ That I am involved with all of these committees.
10) What is your connection to Waterloo, IL / Monroe County?
⭐️ I have lived here my whole life, 1 1/2 miles away from the Bellefontaine House

Welcome to the Bellefontaine House! We had an enthusiastic group of 6th Graders from Columbia Middle School.
04/29/2026

Welcome to the Bellefontaine House! We had an enthusiastic group of 6th Graders from Columbia Middle School.

Sunday was a great day for visitors! The welcoming committee, otherwise known as Graham, enjoyed seeing everyone who cam...
04/27/2026

Sunday was a great day for visitors! The welcoming committee, otherwise known as Graham, enjoyed seeing everyone who came by. One set of visitors, were here 10 years ago and they recreated a photo that was taken on the first visit. We are open every Sunday (unless it is a holiday) from 1pm-4pm.

The Bellefontaine House is open today,1pm-4pm. Stop by and take a step back in time.
04/26/2026

The Bellefontaine House is open today,
1pm-4pm. Stop by and take a step back in time.

04/25/2026

Thank you, Mike H. and Kathleen T. for bringing us
to 400 followers!
Whoo hoo!!

Address

709 S Church Street
Waterloo, IL
62298

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16189395230

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