Named for area pioneer Fannie Bell Smith, Bellville originated as a railroad community in 1890.The Savannah and Western Railroad began acquiring right-of-ways in 1887, and by March 1890, tracks were laid through this site. Original landowners in the town were Sikes Smith, John Wood, and Berry Brewton.

The town was an important location for shipment of agricultural and timber products. Despite a disastrous fire that burned most of Bellville’s structures in 1901, residents rebuilt the town, and it continued as a transportation hub until the decline of the railroad and development of paved roads.
 

From Bellville Academy in the 1890s to today’s Pinewood Academy, schools have been an important part of the town’s history. Soon after it started, Bellville Academy became the largest school in this section and Pinewood Academy now anchors the town as a premiere educational institution.
 

When spoken aloud, Bellville rolls off the tongue with an appealing, comfortable ring. The town’s name is not unique to Georgia, for there are Bellvilles in 22 other states. Despite the popularity of its name, however, Bellville is unique in a significant way.

 

Both today and historically, the town enjoys an unsurpassed reputation as a groomed, well-ordered community. From its modest beginning as a railroad town, to the community’s positive image today, Bellville provides an interesting example of rural progress and development.

(Source: Bellville, Georgia, The First Hundred Years)