A Letter to His Mama

This one comes all the way from Missouri. A radio host asked for people to submit letters from service men writing to the folks back home for a collection. This particular letter was submitted by Mrs. E.C. Mallett, a West Monroe Mother. It was written by her son Earl from the Pacific theatre during WWII. … Continue reading A Letter to His Mama →

The End of Old Trenton

I have always wondered what happened to all the buildings that once made up the town of Trenton. The town was so important before and after the Civil War and then one day, *poof* it is gone. All that is there now are family homes and a historical marker. I happened to stumble across a … Continue reading The End of Old Trenton →

Cottonport becomes West Monroe

The Daily Telegraph (Monroe, LA) October 3, 1883 Page 2 "West Monroe." Why should not Monroe and Cottonport [Note: where Antique Alley is today.] be consolidated? The Railroad Company has christened its depot in the latter place "West Monroe" and that is a step towards it. The old name may cling to the place for … Continue reading Cottonport becomes West Monroe →

A Very Good Boy – The Legend of Buddie The Dog

Perhaps you have wandered around Kiroli park near the amphitheater. On the right side of the amphitheater, past the end of the sidewalk is a grave marker marked with the following: BUDDIE1928 - 1941Born a dogDied a gentleman The legend goes that back in the early days of the park, it was known as a … Continue reading A Very Good Boy – The Legend of Buddie The Dog →

Slave Market in West Monroe

The Monroe Register, February 9, 1860. And to go along with yesterday's post, here is another from the same newspaper, different day, for a slave market in the town of Trenton, which is now part of West Monroe. I have no idea where in Trenton this was.

Andre Cajun and the tale that refuses to DIE!

Cover of "Whiskey, Pistols & Religion" by Andre' Cajun What you are looking at is the little book that started the wild tale about how West Monroe got started. I have written a summary about the Trent brothers legend before. I won't rehash it again. (Link to a cartoon drawn and published in the News-Star … Continue reading Andre Cajun and the tale that refuses to DIE! →

West Monroe Grammar School – 1916

Over the next few days, I will share a few photos I found in a rare 1916 magazine I found about Ouachita Parish. Enjoy! The first view is of the "new" West Monroe Grammar School!

Virtual Walking Tour of the History of West Monroe

I have also made a virtual version of my West Monroe history tour.

West Monroe Meat Market

This business was in the 200 block of Trenton Street in West Monroe, and was owned by G.L. Mills.

Early Map of Cottonport

This is a map of West Monroe before it was West Monroe! Back in the 1800's it was known as Cottonport. You can see Cypress Street which is still there.