Founded in 1873, Belleville flourished milling the ore from the Northern Belle mine at Candelaria. The mill located just east of here made its first bullion bar shipment ($9,200) in April, 1875.

Belleville was famous for murders, drunken brawls, "sporting" and practical jokes. It was also the terminus and work camp of the Carson and Colorado Railroad which reached town in 1882, when Belleville's population peaked at about 500 and was served by one doctor, assay office, express office, telegraph station, livery stable, school house; by two hotels, restaurants and blacksmith shops; and by seven saloons. In 1887 water piped to Candelaria caused Belleville to decline, being deserted by 1892.