In 1851, the Rev. Neill Johnson located at this place. A member of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination, he soon built a church and later a school. In 1857 a contract was let to carry mail by stage from Portland to Sacramento, and this furnished an opportunity to establish a post office. Johnson suggested the name Groveland but it was turned down as too common. Johnson then suggested, "Bellpassi", after a place in Italy. It means good pass or beautiful place. It was later spelled Bell Passi and finally Belle Passi. Located on the outskirts of Woodburn, all that remains to remind us of it's past existence is a sign pointing to Belle Passi Cemetery.