History Of The Bellevue Valley
In 1763 the French crossed the Hughes Mountains from the east and looked upon the valley below. They said it was “Bellevue” which in French means Beautiful View. The Bellevue Valley was first settled in 1798 by emigrants from Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. It is Missouri’s oldest interior farmer settlement. The economy in the valley is primarily agricultural, based on livestock, hay and small grains.
Beauty Of The Valley
Surrounded by the Saint Francois Mountains the cool air sinks into the valley which nourishes native grasses. Rain water trapped by the geology of the mountains daylights in the valley as sweet cold spring water which provides the purest drink for both man and beast.
The Modern Valley
The valley is now the home of many large cattle ranches including the 7_Cross Ranch located just outside the village of Caledonia. The 7_Cross ranch has been perfecting marbled beef in their registered and commercial Angus herd for 25 years. The ranch is what is known as a cow-calf operation. All beef that is sold were born and raised on the ranch; therefore, we can guarantee the quality of beef that is sold. The Gaston herd is considered one of the finest in Missouri.
Inhabitants of the Valley
Rodney and Tina Roundcount purchased 500 acres and the cattle from the 7_Cross Ranch. Rodney grew up on a livestock and grain farm in western Illinois where he worked with cattle and kept his pet cow “Suzy”. The cattle are family and the tradition of caring for their needs on the ranch continues with Rodney and Tina. Older retired members of the herd, like Spike and Betty remain on the ranch and will finish their days eating grass and drinking spring water.
