Bellevue / Maple Leaf

Bellevue was founded in 1904 when West Canadian Collieries opened the Bellevue Mine and surveyed lots for the town. Supported by the mining industry, Bellevue was well established by 1909. In 1907 a neighbouring community, Maple Leaf developed as a result of the opening of the Maple Leaf Mine Coal Company. In 1917 a devastating fire wiped out all but three businesses in town. In 1920 Bellevue took on the aura of the wild west as three train robbers staged a shoot out when confronted by the law at the Boston Cafe. In 1921 businesses on Front Street were ravished by another major fire. Even with these adversities the town continued as a thriving vibrant community. Although the last mine in Bellevue closed in 1961 it continued as an important residential and business centre. After the amalgamation of the Crowsnest Pass towns in 1979 the new highway was realigned to bypass Bellevue and as a result many of the town businesses closed. In 1991 the Crowsnest Ecomuseum Trust opened tours of the Bellevue Mine bringing a new sense of life to the town and with it a number of new businesses now call Bellevue and Maple Leaf home.