LaBelle

LaBelle is a city in Hendry County situated along the Caloosahatchee River in southwestern Florida with residential neighborhoods and small businesses throughout. The town center features buildings from different eras and sits on relatively flat terrain characteristic of the region.

The settlement took shape during the 1880s when engineers began draining the Everglades for development. It was named after Laura June and Carrie Belle Hendry, daughters of pioneer Francis Asbury Hendry who played a key role in the area's early growth.

The Swamp Cabbage Festival draws crowds each February with rodeo competitions and local celebrations honoring the plant adopted as Florida's state tree. The event reflects how the community connects to its natural surroundings and agricultural roots.

Two main highways, State Roads 80 and 29, provide connections to surrounding areas and make navigation straightforward. The town layout is compact and easy to explore on foot, with local services and shops concentrated in the center.

Henry Ford purchased roughly 7,000 acres near the city in 1924 and entrusted operations to E. E. Goodno, who developed cattle and livestock ranching on the property. This industrial venture left an imprint on the region's economic history.

Location: Hendry County

Elevation above the sea: 4 m

Website: http://citylabelle.com

GPS coordinates: 26.76056,-81.43917

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:07