Belfort
a small fortified town and territory of France, in the former department of Haut Rhin, on the Savoureuse; well built, with an ancient castle and a fine parish church. In the Franco-Prussian war it capitulated to the Germans only after an investment of more than three months' duration (1870-1871). It has since been converted into one of the most formidable fortresses. Belfort, with the district immediately surrounding it, is the only part of the department of Haut Rhin which remained to France on the cession of Alsace to Germany. Pop. about 40,000.