History of Monroe, New York, USA

1854 - Monroe
Monroe, a flourishing post-village of Orange co., New York, on the New York and Erie railroad. 59 miles from New York city. Settled in 1742. Pop., estimated at 900.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1895 - Monroe
Monroe, a post-village of Orange co., N.Y., in Monroe township, on the Erie Railroad, 50 miles N.N.W. of New York City, and 10 miles S.E. of Goshen. It has 3 churches and a flour-mill. Pop. about 600. The township comprises part of the Highlands of the Hudson, and several lakes. It contains villages named Turner's and Greenwood Iron Works, and has a pop. of 4957.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1895 - NEW BUILDING BURNS.
Monroe was again the scene of a disastrous fire, Sunday morning, the new building just erected by MR. GEORGE REED, having been totally destroyed. A despatch came to Goshen at 2 o'clock, yesterday morning, asking that the fire department come to the rescue. The alarm was immediately sounded and the boys gathered at the depot with their apparatus. When nearly ready to start, another despatch announced that their services were not needed, as the building was about consumed.
Middletown Daily Argus
Middletown, New York
March 18, 1895

1906
Monroe, a post-village of Orange co., N.Y., in Monroe township (town), on the Erie R., 10 miles SE. of Goshen. Pop. in 1900, 796. The town comprises part of the High lands of the Hudson and several lakes. Pop. in 1900, 1784.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1908 - Monroe
The territory comprising the present town of Monroe is part of the Cheesecock Patent granted by Queen Anne, March 25, 1707. The Cheesecock tract was surveyed by Charles Clinton, father of George and James Clinton, and grandfather of Dewitt Clinton. His field book, the original of which is in the. possession of Hon. MacGrane Cox, of Southfield, N. Y. (Mr. Fred J. Knight, Civil Engineer, of Monroe, N. Y., having a copy), contains much information and many interesting incidents of the early history of this section.

The town was set off from the precinct of Goshen in 1764 and named Cheesecock. This name continued until 1801, when it was changed to Southfield. On April 6th, 1808, it took the present name Monroe, in honor of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States.

In 1863, the town (like ancient Gaul), was divided into three parts by the erection of the three towns of Monroe, Highland and Southfield, which division was the same as the present towns of Monroe, Woodbury... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Monroe:
Harriman State Park:

Explore the great outdoors in Harriman State Park, one of the largest state parks in New York. Hiking, fishing, and picnicking are popular activities. Don't miss the beautiful Lake Tiorati for boating and swimming.

Bear Mountain State Park:

Just a short drive away, Bear Mountain State Park offers stunning views, hiking trails, a zoo, and the iconic Bear Mountain Bridge. It's a great spot for a day of outdoor adventure.

Sterling Forest State Park:

Known for its diverse ecosystems and pristine lakes, it's a great spot for hiking and birding.
Don't miss the Sterling Forest Fire Tower for panoramic views.

The Museum Village:

Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing 19th-century life with exhibits, demonstrations, and period buildings.

Monroe's Historical Society Museum:

Learn about Monroe's history through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits.

The Old Well House:

A historic landmark, perfect for history buffs and those... Read MORE...