About

Monroe, located in southern Jasper County, Iowa, is a progressive community of 1838 friendly residents. Monroe’s rich history began in 1843, when Adam Tool, William Highland and others staked out their homesteads and called the area “Tool’s Point”. The town was incorporated in 1867 and was named Monroe. William and Ellen Highland built the first log home and became the parents of the first non-Native American child born in Jasper County. The first Methodist Church circuit rider arrived in Jasper County in 1844 and services were held at the home of Adam Tool. Located 30 miles southeast of Des Moines, the state capital, Monroe is intersected by Highways 163 and 14, with Interstate 80 just 12 miles north of the city.