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Along the Ouachita River in northern Louisiana, Monroe has long played a role in the state鈥檚 economic and academic development. Tracing its origins back to the late 18th century when it was known as Fort Miro, Monroe quickly grew in importance as a transportation hub due to the high level of steamboat traffic on the river.

But it was the arrival of the precursor to University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) in 1931 that was to prove the greatest stimulus for growth, putting Monroe firmly on the road to becoming the Bayou State鈥檚 leading college town. Today, Monroe is known as a community where education and local life are closely connected, with the ULM campus continuing to enrich the area academically, culturally, and economically.

ULM鈥檚 Early History

The University of Louisiana Monroe has been a cornerstone of the region鈥檚 educational landscape for nearly a century. Its origins can be traced back to 1931, when it began as Ouachita Parish Junior College, an institution founded to meet local needs for accessible higher education.

The school eventually aligned with Louisiana State University, and its academic scope expanded still further with a name change to Northeast Louisiana State College. The name changes weren鈥檛 over, yet, however. In recognition of its growing importance to the state鈥檚 academic landscape, 1970 saw it renamed the Northeast Louisiana University (NLU), with its current name finally being adopted in 1999.

Why Monroe? A key reason Monroe was chosen as the home for this top-notch public institution was its central location in northeastern Louisiana close to important river and rail routes. It鈥檚 also close to Bayou DeSiard, an appealing natural feature, while Downtown Monroe is only a short drive away, ensuring ULM鈥檚 approximately 8,000 to 9,000 students have easy access to things to do off-campus, too.

ULM has earned a solid academic reputation, with programs like pharmacy, nursing, education, and business receiving high rankings across the country. It has also seen many accomplished graduates pass through its halls, including country music star Tim McGraw, who studied here in the 1980s. Sportscaster Tim Brando honed his communication skills here before becoming a recognizable voice on national television, and former NFL quarterback Stan Humphries cultivated his talent at ULM before turning professional.

The Relationship Between Town and Gown

From its earliest days, ULM has played a major role in shaping Monroe鈥檚 development. As the student population grew, so did the need for housing, shops, and cultural activities. At the same time, the influx of students injected an unmistakable collegiate spirit into day-to-day life. Stop in at any of the many businesses located near campus and you鈥檒l see a steady flow of students, faculty, and visiting families keeping them busy. In fact, economic studies indicate that the university brings in well over $580 million annually to the surrounding area, sustaining jobs and helping local businesses flourish.

ULM鈥檚 influence goes well beyond economics. Cultural events hosted by the university include theatrical performances, concerts, and art exhibits, all of which are open to the general public. Locals also look forward to Warhawks football games. Held at Malone Stadium, thousands gather to cheer on their team and enjoy tailgate gatherings on game days. Another highlight is the annual homecoming parade, a festive event held each October that fills Monroe鈥檚 streets with music, decorated floats, and a shared sense of pride.

Programs at ULM also have a strong community link. The College of Pharmacy, for instance, offers health outreach initiatives that benefit residents, while the College of Education partners with local schools for teaching internships. Local landmarks also pay tribute to this partnership between 鈥淭own and Gown.鈥� Bayou Park, for example, is a common gathering spot for campus and community events, with benches, walking paths, and open spaces open to the broader community.

Attractions and Landmarks on ULM鈥檚 Campus

There are plenty of interesting landmarks and attractions spread across ULM鈥檚 238-acre campus. A must-see is the University Library, a multi-story facility filled with thousands of volumes, digital resources, and quiet study corners. The fountain outside the library is an excellent spot for a photo and is a popular gathering place for students.

Brown Auditorium is another essential landmark. Housed in the first campus building to be completed (it was built in 1931), this historic venue hosts lectures and theatrical productions open to the public, as well as community events. The School of Visual and Performing Arts also often presents concerts, art shows, and recitals in venues scattered across campus.

Malone Stadium, though, is very much the beating heart of campus, if not the entirety of this busy college town. Home of the Monroe Warhawks football team, the stadium and its surroundings literally buzz with excitement when the home team plays. The ULM marching band, The Sound of Today, is another big draw. Considered one of the country鈥檚 top college bands, they鈥檙e often involved in a game day tradition known as the Warhawk Walk, where fans greet the team as they head into the stadium.

Things To Do in Monroe

Outside the ULM grounds, Monroe offers plenty of attractions worth visiting. Topping most peoples鈥� itineraries is the Biedenharn Museum & Garden. Founded by Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola, it鈥檚 home to an extensive collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia, a Bible museum, and a garden that鈥檚 lovely to explore in spring and summer.

Another important site is the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum. Dedicated to General Claire Chennault and Louisiana鈥檚 military aviation history, exhibits feature military aircraft replicas, personal artifacts, and detailed accounts of the region鈥檚 aviation heritage.

Traveling with kids? The Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo is a local favorite and houses a variety of species, including lions and native North American critters like bears and bison. They also offer fascinating wetland habitat boat tours and fun seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo for Halloween and Christmas-themed light displays.

Monroe: Louisiana鈥檚 Premier College Town

There鈥檚 no doubt that Monroe and the ULM share a synergistic relationship that has evolved over time. For its part, the university supplies educational opportunities that attract students from across the state and beyond, each contributing to the local economy by spending on everything from rent to retail. For its part, Monroe provides a safe, welcoming atmosphere that鈥檚 well-suited for learning鈥� and enjoying life. Little wonder, then, that Monroe should be considered Louisiana鈥檚 best college town.