Monroe

Monroe was incorporated in 1902 with 325 citizens. The population swelled to nearly 2,000 over the next seven years, due, in part, to the location of two new employers in the Monroe area. With the encouragement and support of the newly formed Monroe Commercial Club, the Pacific Coast Condensed Milk Company (Carnation) and the new Washington State Reformatory opened for business.

These two companies, along with the booming growth of new businesses along Main Street, provided a solid economic base upon which to build a viable community and to attract new residents. By 1910, a new brick building on East Main was completed to house City Hall, the Fire House, and the city's new library (now the home of the Monroe Historical Society).

Between 1910 and 1980, the population of Monroe experienced little change. The completeion of SR2 and SR 522 linked Monroe to the metropolitan areas of Everett and Seattle. Like its first decade, Monroe is now experiencing a second period of rapid growth. Like those early residents, people are drawn to Monroe because of its economic opportunities, natural beauty, "small town" atmosphere.