Monroe is the ninth-largest city in the state of Louisiana and serves as the parish seat and primary city of Ouachita Parish. Located in northeastern Louisiana, it sits on the eastern bank of the Ouachita River. The city is the principal hub of the Monroe metropolitan statistical area, which ranks as the second-largest metropolitan area in North Louisiana.
The region has a long history dating back to its original inhabitants, the Ouachita Indians. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the area came under United States authority. The settlement was originally established as Fort Miro in 1782 and served as the parish seat before being renamed Monroe in 1819. Today, the city is home to several educational institutions, including the University of Louisiana at Monroe and Louisiana Delta Community College.
Monroe features a variety of cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Masur Museum of Art and the historic Cotton Port District. Local attractions include the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, and the Emy-Lou Biedenharn Foundation. The city is also served by the Monroe Regional Airport, which provides daily flights to major hubs including Dallas, Atlanta, and Houston.