The main part of the Town of Belmond was originally situated on the west side of the Iowa River, platted by Archibald Dumond, James M. Elder and William E. Rogers, on October 20, 1856.

Archibald Dumond wanted to call it “Crown Point” after his Indiana home. Others wanted to call it Dumond but when it was found there was a Dumont, Iowa, already registered, the name had to be changed. Legend has it that the name BELMOND was arrived at in this manner...

Dumond’s daughter was a very popular young lady, the “belle” of the community, and the compromise was made by the happy thought of honoring both father and daughter, the “belle” and “mond” being joined into “Belmond”. Belmond is said to be the only town in the United States of that name.