Monroe, LA

Monroe, Louisiana

Introduction to Monroe, Louisiana

Monroe is located along the Ouachita River and is the parish seat for Ouachita Parish. It's the primary distribution base for the region's farmers. According to National Geographic, the Ouachita River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the entire world. The region is known as "Sportsman's Paradise," and is the location of the first Coca Cola bottling plant.

History

Before the Louisiana Purchase was completed, the Monroe area was a prominent trading center. In 1780 the French arrived and created a settlement named Prairie de Canots. Jean Baptiste Filhoil was selected by the Spanish Crown to be in charge of the region and in 1790 Filhoil constructed a prominent fort. Soon, agriculture was thriving and was a primary industry. In 1915 natural gas was discovered in Ouachita Parish and it became a significant factor for the economy. During the 1920's the paper industry was flourishing.

Attractions

• Antique Alley is a notable attraction for North Louisiana.
• Ike Hamilton Expo features primarily equine events.
• Layton Castle was the former home of a Swiss settler. Later, it was covered with red bricks and now has the appearance of a European castle.
• Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo includes natural habitat for animals and one of the best collections of small primates in the country. Train and boat rides are available.
• Monroe Civic Center.
• Rebecca's Doll House showcases more than 2000 antique dolls.
• Northeast Louisiana Arts Council.
• Ouachita River Art Gallery.

Museums

• Aviation Historical Museum of Louisiana.
• Biedenharn Museum and Gardens.
• Aviation & Military Museum of Louisiana.
• Masur Museum of Art.
• Northeastern Louisiana Delta African Heritage Museum.
• University of Louisiana at Monroe's Museum of Natural History showcases mineral specimens from all over the world, dinosaur fossils as well as Indian artifacts.

Activities

The Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge includes pristine wetlands and provides opportunities for canoeing and fishing and features numerous exhibits. The beautiful Kiroli Park includes trails, gardens and fishing ponds. The Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge provides locations for hiking, fishing and hunting. The scenic Ouachita Wildlife Management Area provides fishing opportunities and includes a camping area. The Louisiana Folklife Festival is a notable event which features music, a variety of food, various crafts and celebrates tradition. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous golf courses.

Higher Education

The city is home to the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Delta Community College.

Transportation

The Monroe Regional Airport provides air transportation. The Monroe Transit System offers bus service throughout the city.

High Points

Monroe strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Louisiana):

Category	Trophy
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 2%
Short Commute Times (vs. State)	Top 4%
College Educated Adults (vs. State)	Top 5%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. State)	Top 18%

Comparative Profile of Monroe, LA

Comparing Monroe to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Louisiana (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Female Share of the Population
Children Under 5 Years Old
Senior Citizens
Racial Diversity
Well-Paid Single Women
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Male Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income
People in Middle Class or Better
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Property Taxes
Affordability of Rents
People Living Alone
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Monroe Almanac

Monroe Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Monroe Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Monroe Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Monroe residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Monroe, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Monroe Hospitals

P & S SURGICAL HOSPITAL
(Proprietary)
312 GRAMMONT ST SUITE 101
(318) 388-4040
Emergency Service: No

MONROE SURGICAL HOSPITAL
(Proprietary)
2408 BROADMOOR BLVD
(318) 410-0002
Emergency Service: No

E A CONWAY MEDICAL CENTER
(Government - State)
4864 JACKSON STREET
(318) 388-7000
Emergency Service: Yes

ST FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Church)
309 JACKSON STREET
(318) 327-4000
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Monroe

Monroe High Schools (2004)

OUACHITA PARISH HIGH SCHOOL
681 HIGHWAY 594
318-343-2769
Serves 1,158 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.6

NEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
600 FORSYTHE AVENUE
318-323-2237
Serves 834 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12.8

RICHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
5901 HIGHWAY 165 SOUTH
318-361-0467
A Title I school.
Serves 783 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.7

WOSSMAN HIGH SCHOOL
1600 ARIZONA STREET
318-387-2932
A Title I school.
Serves 737 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 15

CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL
2939 RENWICK STREET
318-387-8441
A magnet school.
Serves 700 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.3

STERLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
233 KEYSTONE ROAD
318-665-2725
Serves 436 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.1

SOUTHSIDE ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL
4701 SOUTH GRAND STREET
318-362-5000
A Non-traditional School
Serves 127 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 12.7

DROP OUT RECOVERY SCHOOL
300 SHERROUSE AVENUE
318-343-6172
A Non-traditional School
Serves 126 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 9.7

SOUTHSIDE ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL
4701 SOUTH GRAND STREET
318-362-5002
A Non-traditional School
Title I eligible, not participating.
Serves 96 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 3.4

Monroe Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Career Technical College

Cloyds Beauty School

Cloyds Beauty School

Delta Community College

Pat Goins Beauty School

University of Louisiana at Monroe

(List of All Louisiana Colleges)

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