Belgium, Wisconsin
Belgium is a village in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. Located along Interstate 43, the village is one of the northernmost communities in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The population was 2,245 at the 2010 census.
Belgium, Wisconsin | |
|---|---|
Looking east at Belgium's business district | |
Location of Belgium in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. | |
| Coordinates: 43°29′39″N 87°51′33″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Ozaukee |
| Settled | 1840s |
| Incorporated | 1922 |
| Government | |
| • Village President | Pete Anzia |
| • Clerk | Julie Lesar |
| • Treasurer | Vickie Boehnlein |
| • Village board | Trustees
|
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.15 sq mi (5.58 km2) |
| • Land | 2.15 sq mi (5.58 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 738 ft (225 m) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 2,245 |
| • Estimate (2019) | 2,345 |
| • Density | 1,089.18/sq mi (420.56/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code | 262 |
| FIPS code | 55-06175 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1582781 |
| Website | www |
Beginning in the 1840s, immigrant farmers from Luxembourg settled in Northern Ozaukee County and formed several rural communities, including Belgium as well as the neighboring hamlets of Dacada, Holy Cross, and Lake Church. Although Belgium grew after a railroad was constructed through the community and incorporated as a village in 1922, the community remained primarily agricultural in the 20th century. As recently as 2015, the local cannery, which processes fruits and vegetables harvested at area farms, was by far the village's largest employer.
The village continues to have strong cultural ties to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Members of the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg have visited, and the Luxembourg Government sponsors the Luxembourg American Cultural Society and Museum in the community. Among other programs, the center assists Americans of Luxembourgish ancestry in applying for dual citizenship, and since 1987 the village has hosted an annual festival devoted to Luxembourgish food and culture.