MONROE. A city and the county-seat of Monroe County, Miele.. 35 miles south-southwest of Detroit: on the Raisin River. and on the Pere Marquette. time Lake Shore and Michigan Southern. and the Michigan Central (Map: Alieltigan. K 7). It bas an orphan nsylmn and n home for the aged. a public library with volnmes. Saint Mary's Aeaclemy. a fine court braise. and ail armory and opera house that co-.t :z30.000. In Monroe is the mother house of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who own valuable property here. The city is in a fertile region and is no important depot for bliiinnent, of grain and fruits It has extensive nurseries, fisheries, and. among the industrial plants, stove and furnace works. flour, lumber, and paper mills, canning factories. agricultural implement works. furniture factories, brick and tile works, paint works, etc. The government is
administered under a Charter of 1895. which pro vides for a mayor. annually elected. and a uni cameral eouncil. The city owns and operates the electric light plant. Population, in 1890, 5258; in 1900, 5043.
was settled as 'Frenchtown' by a com pany of Canadians in 1784, and received its present name, in honor of James Monroe, in 1815. It was the scene of the battle of the River Raisin. January 22-23, 1813, in which 397 of the American force were killed and 537 captured. only 33 escaping, while of the British. 24 were killed and 158 wounded. A number of the pri, oners wounded and unable to march were left here under inadequate protection. and were sub sequently massacred by the Indians. This gave rise to the battle-cry, the River Raisin." Monroe was chartered as a city in 1836.