Belle River is located in Essex County on the south shore of Lake St. Clair. It is located within the town of Lakeshore. The name comes from the French word for Beautiful.

Throughout the 19th century, milling was the major industry in Belle River founded by French settlers from the Detroit River area. Bootlegging also occurred during the US prohibition. A mule would cross St. Clair in the Winter when the water was frozen with whisky for the Americans waiting on the other side.

Belle River Welcome Sign

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