Monroe
In 1864, Henry McClurg named the area that later became the city of Monroe “Park Place.” Loggers, farmers and fur traders traveled through the community, drawn by the railroad.
During that time, John Vanasdlen was operating a general store in the community. He applied to open a post office and allowed McClurg to name it. The postal service at the time would not allow two-word city names, however, so McClurg dropped the Park Place idea and named the town after President James Monroe.
Monroe was incorporated in 1902 with only 325 citizens, but its population grew steadily after the Washington State Reformatory, the Monroe Commercial Club and the Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Co. began operating in the area.
Today three regional highways – state Routes 2, 522 and 203 – cut through the city, which rests near the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Several shopping centers, including the Marhanlo Shopping Center, are along Route 2.
Monroe has a hometown feel that reaches into the historical downtown area, where specialty and antique shops and restaurants welcome visitors. Housing developments are sprouting around the city.