Page Contents for West Monroe, Louisiana

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Libraries.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Louisiana state capital is Baton Rouge.
The population of West Monroe is approximately 13,038 (2005), 13065 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 6,582 (1990), 5729 (2010).
The amount of land area in West Monroe is 18.579 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in West Monroe is 7.7 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0.65 sq kilometers.
The distance from West Monroe to Washington DC is 986 miles.
The distance to the Louisiana state capital is 154 miles. (as the crow flies)
West Monroe is positioned 32.51 degrees north of the equator and 92.14 degrees west of the prime meridian.
West Monroe elevation is 88 feet above sea level.
West Monroe per capita income is $ 19,621.
West Monroe median income is $ 27,522 (2000).
The West Monroe median home price is $ 74,300 (2000).
West Monroe average annual rainfall is 67.2 inches per year
West Monroe average temperature is 65 degrees F.
The average winter temperature is 44 degrees F.
The average summer temperature is 83 degrees F.

Location

in northeast Louisiana about 112 miles east of Shreveport. West Monroe and Monroe are located on opposite banks of the Ouachita (wash-uh-taw) River. Other nearby communities include Brownsville-Bawcomville, Claiborne, Richwood, Swartz, Sterlington, Downsville and Eros. Here is a Map page for the Monroe area.
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Weather

moderate. Here is a weather page for the Monroe area.
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History & History Related Items

In 1837, Dr. John Campbell attempted to establish a town on the west bank of the river. He submitted a plan naming the town "Byron." This was in the present southern portion of West Monroe. Another man, William Trent of Georgia, also proposed a new town north of "Byron." In 1848, he sold the property to a merchants company from New Orleans, which subdivided the land, creating the town of Trenton in 1851. It was named after William Trent.

Another town was in the "makings" just south of Trenton. Dr. Christopher Dabbs, who practiced medicine in Trenton, tried to found a town named Cotton Port, but was unsuccessful. He sold out in 1858. In March 1859, the town of Cotton Port was finally acknowledged by the legislature. This meant there could be a deputy for the town. When the Railroad Bridge was completed in 1882, the town became more prosperous. In 1883, the leaders applied for town status, but found a serious problem. A town in Avoyelles Parish had already registered the name of Cotton Port. By November of 1883, the name of West Monroe was accepted. As West Monroe became more and more prosperous, Trenton lost more business to the newer area. In 1905, the post office in Trenton closed with the town of Trenton slowly fading into a suburb of West Monroe.

West Monroe's first charter was given in 1889 with the form of government having a Mayor and a Board of Trustees. Late in the 19th century, the first bridge was built connecting Monroe and West Monroe. This even in July of 1899 united the twin cities. The bridge was later named "Endom Bridge" in honor of Judge Robert Endom and Mayor Fred Endom.
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The settling of West Monroe

1780

The incorporation of West Monroe

1889

Attractions

West Monroe, LA is the home of West Monroe High School, State Champions in class 5a football for two years in a row. West Monroe is also the home of Northeast Louisiana University and CenturyTel, the only Monroe-based company which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Attractions in Monroe and West Monroe.

Monroe/West Monroe Krewe of Janus Mardi Gras

Kiroli Park
Phone: 318-396-4016
820 Kiroli Road
West Monroe, LA
Fun for the entire family with playgrounds, trails, fishing, gardens, and picnic areas.

Antique Alley
200-300 Blocks of Trenton Street
100 Block of Cotton Street
Antique Alley features a variety of stores, galleries, and eateries located in West Monroe's Cottonport Historic District plus stores on Cypress Street (Hwy 80) and Monroe's Hudson Lane
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West Monroe City Government

City of West Monroe

West Monroe mayor's office
2305 North Seventh Street
West Monroe, LA 71291
Phone: (318) 396-2600
FAX: (318) 397-2382

West Monroe has a Mayor/Alderman form of government

West Monroe Chamber

Chamber Of Commerce
212 Walnut Street, Suite 100
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: 318-323-3461

West Monroe Organizations

Chamber Of Commerce
212 Walnut Street, Suite 100
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: 318-323-3461

West Monroe Libraries

Ouachita Parish Library System
Main Branch
1800 Stubbs Avenue
Monroe, LA
Phone: (318) 327-1490 West Monroe

Miscellany

The population of West Monroe was:
1997 - 14,331
2000 - 13,250
2005 - 13,038 (2005)