3. Historic Downtown Monroe
Humble Beginnings
Monroe traces its origins to Fort Miro and its
associated Spanish Post.
In 1782 Spain Commissioned Don Juan Filhiol to
establish a fort along the Ouachita River.
Fort Miro was built in 1790, and became the center
of commerce and activity for residents.
In 1811 Filhiol donated a parcel of land to serve as
the courthouse site. The town began to develop
around the courthouse square.
Major processing center for cotton and cotton
products.
4. Historic Downtown Monroe
A City is Formed
Monroe was granted a charter as a town in
1820 and incorporated as a city in 1871.
History books provide two theories on how
Monroe adopted its name.
President James Monroe -Steamboat
Monroe
Two pre-1890 buildings remain in the
district,
Clerk of Court’s office and the Isaiah Garrett
Law Office
5. Historic Downtown Monroe
Period of Industrial and Economic
Growth
Railroad Construction
Population Growth
Mayor Andrew Forsythe “Father of Municipal
Ownership
Ouachita Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Monroe Natural Gas Field
Municipal Street Railway System
St. Francis Medical Center
Delta Air Lines
9. What Happened to Our Downtown?
Increased Automobile ownership led to the
relocation of many businesses.
Twin City Shopping Center.
Sears Roebuck and JC Penny where the first
to relocate
Eastgate Plaza.
One by one businesses began moving from
Downtown to other lying shopping centers
on Louisville Avenue
17. How can this Program Help?
Supports Current Community Efforts
Preserve our Historic Treasures
Complements our Current Efforts
Base for Future Growth and Development
28. Cultural Events Committee
‘Tis the first weekend in
December and all through
the town several events
are happening everywhere
you look around.
Working to create a
calendar of events.
Promotional Process
Support Existing Events
Attract Tourist
38. Our Time is Now!
(Support Organizations)
City of Monroe
Downtown Economic Development District
Monroe Chamber of Commerce
Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau
Monroe Renaissance
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Northeast Louisiana Arts Council
Louisiana Tech School of Architecture
Monroe Jaycees
CenturyTel
Opus Broadcasting
The News Star
Historic Preservation Commission
North Delta Planning and Development
39. Presentation Created and Performed
By
Cynthia Crosby
678-600-4316
cynthiac@poshconcepts.net
www.poshconcepts.net
