Historical Markers in Monroe County, Illinois
American Freedom Fighter and Palestinian Girl
American Legion Memorial Park
Arlington Hotel & Saloon
Armin Henry Krueger
Bellefontaine House
Bond
Breidecker House
City Hotel
Civil War Grave Markers
Col. William R. Morrison
Columbia
Columbia Star Printing Co
Combat Wounded Veterans
Commercial State Bank
Corn Stalk Cutter
Eagle Cliff / Miles Cemetery
Eichmuller-Rau Building
First National Bank
Ford
Ford Monument
Franklin Inn & Buck Tavern
Gedern - Columbia Sister Cities since 1993
German Style Cottage
Gundlach-Grosse House
Gundlach-Wagner House
Harrisonville Telephone Company
Henry's Grocery
Historic Conservation at Foglepole
Historic Shoemaker School
Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery
Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Wartburg
Immaculate Conception Church
Immaculate Conception Church
In Loving Memory of Alois Luhr
In Memory of Myron A. Roever
In Memory of Robert Kidd
International Harvester Horse-Drawn Hay Tedder
James Lemen
James Moore Cabin
John Deere Two Bottom Plow - Model 49C
Junze Saloon
Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail
Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail
Kidd, Illinois
Koch House
Kolmer Family Log Cabin
La Belle Fontaine
Louis E. Miller
M102 Howitzer
Maeystown
Martini Cemetery
Masonic Lodge & State Theater
Memorial in honor of our sons and daughters
Metzger-Crook Post 6504
Miller-Fiege Home
Monroe Brewery
Monroe County Bicentennial Bandstand
Monroe County World War Veteran Memorial
Monroe County's World War I and World War II Dead
Old Engine House & Faust Dry Goods
Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish War Memorial
Palmier Cemetry
Patriotic Mural
Peterstown and the Merchant Prince
Pfeffer Mercantile Store
Pioneer Mill
Potter's Field
POW ★ MIA
Revolutionary Patriots of Monroe County, Illinois
Robert and Mary McGowan Kidd / Jacob & Elizabeth Green Fults
Roessler Building
Rohm House
Rose's Drug Store
Salem-Baum Evangelical Church
Schaefer House
Schmidt Beer Cave
Schmidt House & Brewery
Schneider House
Schorr Brewing Co.
Sears Roebuck Handiman Jr. Walk-Behind Tractor
Site of the First English Speaking School in Illinois
Smokehouse
Southern Hotel
St. John's First Church
St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church
The Adelsberger House
The Advocate Building
The Bellefontaine Bridge
The Bison
The Braun Property
The Brey Building
The Floarke Pavilion
The Garretson Home
The Küenster Building
The Morrison Talbott Library
The Odd Fellows Building
The Oldendorf-Horn Building
The Pluth Building
The Schatte Cabin
The Schmitt-Nobbe Building
The State Bank of Waterloo
The Stroh Building
The Village of Maeystown, Ill.
The Wallhaus Building
The Wissmath Property
The Ziebold Fountain / The Courthouse Cannon
Twin City Thresher
Valmeyer Community Heritage Society
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial
Veterans Memorial for All Wars
Village of Maeystown
Vogt Building
Waterloo City Hall
Waterloo Fire Department Memorial Bell Plaza
Weilbacher General Store
Weinel Hardware & Lumber
Whiteside Station
William H. Bissell
World War I Grave Markers
"James McRoberts and Mary his wife settled this place in the year of our Lord 1798"*
About Monroe County
Monroe County Timeline
Monroe County, Illinois has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 1800s. The county was officially established in 1816 and was named in honor of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. The area has a strong German heritage, as many German immigrants settled here in the mid-19th century.
The early years of Monroe County were marked by small, agrarian communities and the development of infrastructure such as roads and schools. The county became a popular destination for settlers looking for fertile farmland and a peaceful way of life. Agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco being grown.
During the mid-19th century, Monroe County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county seat, Waterloo, became a hub for businesses and attracted residents from surrounding areas. The growth of industry and commerce brought about the need for better transportation and infrastructure systems, leading to the construction of bridges and roads.
Monroe County has also witnessed its fair share of historical events. During the Civil War, the area was divided in terms of allegiance, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The county saw skirmishes and troop movements, and its citizens played an active role in the war effort. In the early 20th century, the county faced challenges such as the Great Depression and World War II, but managed to rebuild and adapt to changing times.
Today, Monroe County continues to thrive as a vibrant community that embraces its history while looking toward the future. Its charming small towns, picturesque landscapes, and strong sense of community make it a wonderful place to live and visit.
The early years of Monroe County were marked by small, agrarian communities and the development of infrastructure such as roads and schools. The county became a popular destination for settlers looking for fertile farmland and a peaceful way of life. Agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco being grown.
During the mid-19th century, Monroe County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county seat, Waterloo, became a hub for businesses and attracted residents from surrounding areas. The growth of industry and commerce brought about the need for better transportation and infrastructure systems, leading to the construction of bridges and roads.
Monroe County has also witnessed its fair share of historical events. During the Civil War, the area was divided in terms of allegiance, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy. The county saw skirmishes and troop movements, and its citizens played an active role in the war effort. In the early 20th century, the county faced challenges such as the Great Depression and World War II, but managed to rebuild and adapt to changing times.
Today, Monroe County continues to thrive as a vibrant community that embraces its history while looking toward the future. Its charming small towns, picturesque landscapes, and strong sense of community make it a wonderful place to live and visit.
Monroe County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Monroe County, Illinois.
- 1722 - French explorer Philippe François Renault leads an expedition to the area that would later become Monroe County.
- 1802 - The United States acquires the region as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1816 - Monroe County is founded and named after President James Monroe.
- 1820 - The first courthouse is constructed in Waterloo, the county seat.
- 1825 - The original county boundaries are established.
- 1829 - The Illinois General Assembly grants a charter for the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which would pass through Monroe County.
- 1831 - The first steamboat arrives in Waterloo, marking the beginning of its importance as a river port.
- 1862 - The county experiences significant Civil War activity, including the Battle of Fort de Chartres.
- 1873 - The first railroad is completed in the county.
- 1918 - Lewis Bridge, the longest highway bridge in Illinois, is constructed.
- 1950 - The population of Monroe County exceeds 20,000.
- 2010 - The population reaches over 32,000.