Monroe

… city and county seat, central Union County. Named for President James Monroe (1758-1831). Inc. 1844. Merged with town of Benton Heights, which see, in 1945 and with town of West Monroe, which see, in 1949. William Henry Belk opened the first of his department stores there in 1888. Produces textiles, apparel, bricks, processed meat, industrial machinery, fabricated metals, and wood products. Alt. 576.