Uncovering the Real Story Behind Bellefonte’s Name
The Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association (BHCA) is leading an effort to uncover the true origin of the town’s name. Long believed to stem from a remark by French diplomat Talleyrand, this theory has been called into question by historian Kathleen Wunderly. Alternative explanations exist—ranging from a local forge to a southern plantation—and BHCA aims to finally resolve this enduring historical mystery through rigorous local research and collaboration.
Kathleen Wunderly seems to have demolished the main myth about the naming of Bellefonte in her book, Fountain of Misinformation, Talleyrand and the naming of Bellefonte. She argues persuasively that Talleyrand never viewed the Big Spring or uttered the defining phrase, "La belle font."
Other theories remain. One claims that Bellefonte was named after an early establishment along Logan Branch called Bell Font Forge. Yet another claims the town is named after a southern plantation owned by a relative of one of the town's founders. It seems that this minor mystery could be resolved with sufficient historical research. Bellefonte was named after the first national census and there are extant documents which might provide a compelling explanation of how our town got its name.
BHCA wants to be the entity that finally clears up this question. We are coaxing several local historians to invest the requisite effort to resolve the matter. If we succeed, the result will be an article of great interest to local historians.