Belgique, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Belgique, Missouri
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Belgique, Missouri, roadsign
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Location of Perry County, Missouri
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Perry |
| Township | Bois Brule |
| Named for | Belgium |
| Elevation | 371 ft (113 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
63775
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| Area code(s) | 573 |
| FIPS code | 29-04042 |
| GNIS feature ID | 713893 |
Belgique was a small community in eastern Perry County, Missouri, USA. It was located about five miles south of Chester, Illinois. This area is part of Bois Brule Township.
Contents
The Name Belgique
The people who settled Belgique were from the country of Belgium. They spoke Flemish, which is a language spoken in Belgium.
When they chose a name for their new home, they wanted to honor their homeland. However, another town in Missouri already had the name "Belgium." So, they decided to use the French name for Belgium, which is "Belgique."
Belgique's Story
Belgique was first settled by Catholic families from Belgium. These settlers were Flemish. They brought their traditions and culture to Missouri.
They built a Catholic church called 'The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary'. It stood from 1884 until 1992. A post office also opened in Belgique in 1890.
Over time, the community changed. The post office eventually closed. Today, mail for the area comes from Perryville.
Where Belgique Was Located
Belgique was situated on a flat, low-lying area. This area is known as the alluvial plain of the Bois Brule Bottom. It is in the northern part of Perry County.
The Great Flood of 1993
Belgique was located in a flood-prone area. Many floods happened over the years. The most damaging flood was the Great Flood of 1993.
This huge flood destroyed most of the village. After the water went down, only a few residents returned. The flood changed Belgique forever. Today, there is no longer a town there.
Images for kids
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Belgique, 19th century
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Flooded Church - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Flooded store
