Woman's enterprise., 1922-08-01
MONROE NOTES.
Early History Of Monroe,

Contributed by Mrs. E. L. Owen
Regent of Fort Miro Chapter, D. A.
lR.)
Monroe is one of the oldest towns
in Louisiana. Authentic records es-
tablish it as a trading post for the
Indians in the early part of the
Eighteenth Century. The only dark
page in the history of this city was
the terrible massacre of the first set
tiers. They numbered less than two
hundred, and were attacked by a
tribe of hostile Indians who were
banded together in colony near the
Arkansas line.
At this time Monroe was known as
a Post or Settlement by the name of
Prairie des Carnot. Numerous tribes
of hostile and treacherous Indians
dwelt along the banks of the Qua
chita River and Monroe was busy
and active Post with bateaus as the
mode of navigation, together with
burros loaded with bullion, loaded in
packs, from Mexico. They travelled
along the winding trail to this south
ern country known as the "Campino
Trail,' which is being preserved and
marked as one of the oldest in the
United States.
During the Spanish Regime in
Louisiana Territory, under the wise
policy of Governor General Don Es-
taban Miro, the young Frenchman,
Don Juan Filhiol, was appointed Gov
ernor of this Settlement, which was
then known as Ouachita Post. At this
time the white population did not ex-
ceed two hundred, although the terri
tory then included was nearly all Of
North Louisiana and South Arkansaw.
In 1888, Don Juan Filhiol, with his
family, came from New Orleans in a
small bateau and landed at Ouachita
Post to take charge of the Post as
Governor with all its dangers.
Through his wisdom, he soon gained
the confidence of the hostile Indians,
and there is no record of any ill-feel-
ing between him and the Indians. He
was considered wise and benevolent
Governor.
In 1856 palisade of heavy oak
timber, eight feet high, enclosing the
Commandant's residence and grounds,
was erected and the name of Fort
Miro was then given the Post. This
fort was built on the land that is now
occupied by the Parish Court House.
Don Juan had received a grant from
the Spanish Government Of ten ar
pents fronting on the river and a
depth Of forty arpents. In 1916 the
town was laid off along the river
front, which is now about half Of the
river bed. Jackson street was then
the line Of the town on the east. At
this time Fort Miro was made the
permanent seat of justice for the ter
ritory surrounding the Fort, including
Mer Rouge and other small places.
In 1921 this splendid pioneer died.
His descendants are still among the
city's best residents. His sword is
the priced possession of the Daugh-
tiers of the American Revolution in
the Chapter House on Court House
Square, a gift from the city's real
founder and benefactor, besides the
site of school, a church and cem-
etery which he gave to the City.
The old Spanish name Of Fort Miro
was changed to Monroe in honor of
the first steamboat to come up the
Ouachita River, called the James
Monroe" This community is rich in
historical and Indian lore. Real In
dian mounds with hidden treasures
are still to be seen. The picturesque
ness Of the city is still preserved in
its narrow streets, which follow no
Typographical survey, and its moss
hung oaks which edge the sidewalks
are the pride Of its citizens. In the
march Of progress and street paving,
ways and means have been found to
preserve these historical monarchs
and retain Monroe's natural beauty
and antiquity.