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.