If you love a good feud story, than you’ll enjoy the lark depicting an aspect of Monmouth’s history – its long running rivalry with neighboring community, Independence. To gain an appreciation of the rivalry, one must understand the history and culture of Monmouth.

This city in northwest Oregon’s Polk County was originally settled in the 1850’s by devout Christians who migrated here from Monmouth, Illinois – hence the city’s name. The vision of these settlers was to develop a community that would be strongly influenced by their religion, holding true to the teachings from the scriptures. At the turn of the century after prohibition was abolished, city officials successfully established a bylaw outlawing the sale of alcohol in the city’s supermarkets, restaurants and bars.

Enter Independence. Seeing a demand, the community of Independence would cater to the flocks of Monmouth’s residents looking for a night of escape via intoxication. This led to a bitter rivalry with Monmouth condemning Independence. Consequences of this rivalry would include police officers monitoring the activities of Independence’s nightlife. Also, whether it was accident of intentional, Independence was flooded with septic sludge one year due to excessive untreated sewage being unleashed upstream in Ash Creek in Monmouth!

Today, relations between the two communities are better, and the rivalry serves as a laughing matter.