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B E L L E V I L L E â€"-O~a in 1860 (From the first Directory of the County of Hastings, 1860-61, published by Mac-- kenzie Bowell, the Intelligencer Office, Belleville, Canada West, 1860). ITS SITUATION The Town of Belleville--the chief market place for the County of Hastings-â€"is situated in the Township of Thur- low at the mouth of the River Noira, and on the shores of the Bay of Quinte. Its covers an area of 1,200 acres, and has a pleasant and healthy situation. The River Moira, a rapid stream varying in width from 40 to 100 feet, runs through the Town. With the aid of Sewers through the prin- cipal Streets, and the Town occupying a beautiful elevation of land, gradually inclined from the water on either side, but little difficulty is experienced in keeping the Streets free from filth and impurities. The principal business portion of the Town is on the east side of the River. The Streets Front Street, running in nearly a northerly and southerly direction, is the chief business thoroughfare. The great trade of the Town is principally carried on here, and many of the stores and buildings are of the finest class. On Mill Street, extending from the Upper Bridge to the Grand Trunk Station, are situated some of our most ex- tensive Foundries, and Factories. Pinnacle Street. running parallel with Front, is well laid out and will eventually become one of our principal business thoroughfares. The Market and the Court House front on this Street, and the Commercial and Montreal Banks, both imposing structures, are also located here. Moira Bridge and Hotel Streets, running in easterly and westerly directions. and other Streets, will grow in importance as the Town advances in wealth and commerce. Location of Private Residences To the eastward, on what is commonly known as Taylor's Hill, are many elegant private residences, each with tastefully and richly ornamented grounds. Indeed, the larger proportion of our merchants, our professional men and wealthy mechanics, have built their homes here, and surrounded them with every convenience and comfort which taste and wealth can command. Here are also most of our Churches, some of which are costly and imposing edifices.