Belvidere, Illinois

Belvidere is a city in northern Illinois, about 75 miles from Chicago. The Kishwaukee River divides the city of 23,532 residents, with the original town center and residential areas to the north, and the industrial areas and current-day "downtown" to the south. Belvidere is home to a Chrysler Assembly Plant, which has been turning out vehicles since 1965. Other businesses with facilities in Belvidere include General Mills, Dean Foods, and Franklin Wire Works. Belvidere also has abundant natural resources, in the form of prime farmland, wetlands and wildlife habitat. Belvidere is also known as the "City of Murals" for its many outdoor artworks celebrating the city's industry and heritage.

Belvidere was founded in 1835 on the north side of the river by a group of 37 settlers. The Belvidere Company was quickly organized to build saw and grist mills. In 1851, the railroad was established on the south side of the river, and business and manufacturing followed. Belvidere incorporated as a city in 1882, a year after the Cleveland Spring Bed and Mattress Company was founded, but the first major industry was the National Sewing Machine Company, which opened its Belvidere plant in 1886. At one time the largest bicycle manufacturer in the U.S., and the second-largest sewing machine maker in the world, National employed 1,378 workers in 1896, and was a major employer until the 1960s. Belvidere's population grew to 8,000, and other industries flourished, including a steam laundry, brick yards, coal company, and the New York Milk Condensing Company. Belvidere was now a bustling modern city, boasting electric railways, street lighting, telephone exchanges, and a municipal water system. Handsome Queen Anne-style homes lined the streets, built by the city's successful businessmen. Belvidere’s current economic base now includes the healthcare and defense industries, as well as retail shops and restaurants.

Belvidere's significant manufacturing history means asbestos exposure has been an ongoing concern, putting workers at risk for asbestos diseases, such as pleural mesothelioma. For your convenience, we have listed mesothelioma cancer centers located in or near Belvidere at the bottom of this page. If you were diagnosed with asbestos cancer in Belvidere, you may also benefit from seeking the advice of an asbestos attorney.

Jobsites in Belvidere where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Belvidere, IL have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Belvidere, IL

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Belvidere, IL. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Belvidere, IL

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Belvidere, IL. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.