Local News: Downtown Monroe's History

Monroe has a historic part of town on South Broad Street called Downtown Monroe. From the 1800s to now, this community, with its architecture, shops, restaurants, and monuments, has a story to tell. 
​by Ansleigh Hester

Monroe Cotton Mill (Monroe, GA)
The Monroe Cotton Mill was chartered in 1895. It was a part of the growing textile industry in the 19th century. 

In 1897, the mill continued to grow. More employees came to work at the factory, so the village (named “Carson”) surrounding the mill had to expand to accommodate the growing population. 

In 1900, a competing factory called, “The Walton Cotton Mill” was established. 

In 1924, new residents came to live around the mills. Shops and a framed recreational hall were built for both factories. These competing mills continued to expand until they merged in 1970. 

The merged factories are now used as an antique market and hold school dances, weddings, and more. 

(photo courtesy of WeddingWire.com)

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(photo courtesy of McDaniel-Tichenor.org)

McDaniel Tichenor House 
Before the McDaniel House was built, the street (now called McDaniel Street) was created because of cotton. Many wealthy families built their homes on the street to be close to the cotton mills. 

It was slow to develop, and the wealthy families building on the street had large houses on extensive lots. 
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In 1887, Governor Henry Dickerson McDaniel built his home on the street. “In 1872 McDaniel was elected to the state house and two years later elected to the Senate. He was elected as the full-term Governor in 1884. Governor McDaniel retired to Monroe in 1886 where he hired William Winstead Thomas of Athens to design and build his home,” the McDaniel Tichenor House website explains. 

​Now, the McDaniel House holds events like weddings, business lunches, baby showers, and so much more. During the summer, historians host a Princess Camp in the house.

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(Monroe Car Show)

Downtown Monroe Currently 
In downtown, the historic value is still alive. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, the historic architecture was decreased, but now the historical society in Monroe has preserved it. 
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There are so many options in downtown Monroe for children to adults. On Broad Street, there are many restaurants like Your Pie. Recently, a Thai establishment has been added to the community.  

There are boutiques, an ice cream shop (Scoops), the local newspaper office (The Walton Tribune), and more. See https://www.monroedowntown.com/downtown for more information about the current events and shops in Downtown Monroe. 

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