Monroe, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Monroe, known as "the Swiss Cheese
Capital of the USA", is a city in and the county seat of Green County
, Wisconsin
, United States
. The population, was 10,843 at the 2000 census. The city is located partially within the Town of Monroe
and partially in the Town of Clarno
.
, the city has a total area of 4.3 square miles (11.2 km²). None of the area is covered with water.
It is about 20 minutes from Illinois, A U.S. State.
of 2000, there were 10,843 people, 4,710 households, and 2,826 families residing in the city. The population density
was 2,498.5 people per square mile (964.6/km²). There were 4,943 housing units at an average density of 1,139.0 per square mile (439.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.72% White, 0.35% Black or African American
, 0.34% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.54% from other races
, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.46% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 4,710 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples
living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,922, and the median income for a family was $47,361. Males had a median income of $32,050 versus $22,112 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $21,657. About 2.4% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.
, home of the Cheesemakers in the Badger Conference
, Monroe Middle School, Abraham Lincoln Accelerated Learning Academy, Parkside Elementary School, and Northside Elementary School. The district also has an alternative high school and middle school, as well as a virtual school. St. Victor Catholic elementary school also serves the community. Monroe has a campus of Blackhawk Technical College
, the community's sole institution of post-secondary education.
serves the city with freight service. A branch line from Janesville ends at Badger State Ethanol.
, a 47-mile multi-purpose recreational path, and the Badger State Trail
, a bicycle and pedestrian-only trail in summer and an ATV/snowmobile trail in winter. The "Cheese Trail" extends from Mineral Point
to Monroe, while the Badger State Trail runs from the state line to Madison
and connects to the Jane Addams Trail
in Illinois. Both are former railway corridors. Monroe is also home to Stateline Ice and Community Expo (S.L.I.C.E.), the only indoor ice-rink in Green County.
Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese is a generic name in North America for several related varieties of cheese which resemble the Swiss Emmental. Some types of Swiss cheese have a distinctive appearance, as the blocks of the cheese are riddled with holes known as "eyes". Swiss cheese has a piquant, but not very sharp,...
Capital of the USA", is a city in and the county seat of Green County
Green County, Wisconsin
Green County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 33,647. Its county seat is Monroe.-Geography:According to the U.S...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population, was 10,843 at the 2000 census. The city is located partially within the Town of Monroe
Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin
Monroe is a town in Green County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,142 at the 2000 census. The City of Monroe is located partially within the town.-Geography:...
and partially in the Town of Clarno
Clarno, Wisconsin
Clarno is a town in Green County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,079 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Clarno and Schneyville are located in the town.-Geography:...
.
Geography
Monroe is located at 42°36′N 89°38′W (42.5989, -89.6410). According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 4.3 square miles (11.2 km²). None of the area is covered with water.
It is about 20 minutes from Illinois, A U.S. State.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 10,843 people, 4,710 households, and 2,826 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2,498.5 people per square mile (964.6/km²). There were 4,943 housing units at an average density of 1,139.0 per square mile (439.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.72% White, 0.35% Black or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.34% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.54% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.73% from two or more races. 1.46% of the population were Hispanic
Hispanic
Hispanic is a term that originally denoted a relationship to Hispania, which is to say the Iberian Peninsula: Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain. During the Modern Era, Hispanic sometimes takes on a more limited meaning, particularly in the United States, where the term means a person of ...
or Latino
Latino
The demonyms Latino and Latina , are defined in English language dictionaries as:* "a person of Latin-American descent."* "A Latin American."* "A person of Hispanic, especially Latin-American, descent, often one living in the United States."...
of any race.
There were 4,710 households out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.91.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $36,922, and the median income for a family was $47,361. Males had a median income of $32,050 versus $22,112 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $21,657. About 2.4% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.
Businesses and attractions
- The Swiss Colony
- Monroe Truck Equipment
- the Monroe Clinic
- Minhas Craft BreweryJoseph Huber Brewing CompanyThe Joseph Huber Brewing Company was founded in 1845 in Monroe, Wisconsin. It was originally called The Blumer Brewery, but in 1947 adopted its current name. It is the oldest continually operating brewery in the Midwest and second oldest in the United States....
- Mitek's factory (makers of MTX AudioMTX AudioMTX Audio is an American consumer audio company that manufactures sound equipment for many applications, including car audio, home audio, marine audio and live sound products. They are best known for their car audio products and they specialize in subwoofers and subwoofer amplifiers. MTX Audio is a...
) - Chalet Cheese Factory, may now be the only cheese factory in North America making Limburger cheeseLimburger cheeseLimburger is a cheese that originated during the 19th century in the historical Duchy of Limburg, which is now divided among modern-day Belgium, Germany, and Netherlands. The cheese is especially known for its pungent odor commonly compared to body odor....
- Green County Courthouse
- Historic downtown square
- Turner Hall, the only Turner (gymnast) Hall of Swiss origin left in the U.S.
- Ludlow Mansion
- Monroe Arts CenterFirst Methodist Church (Monroe, Wisconsin)The First Methodist Church in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin, is a Gothic revival edifice designed by the former Wisconsin State Architect E. Townsend Mix of Milwaukee and constructed of Cream City brick. It was commissioned in 1869 by the First Methodist Episcopal congregation of Monroe to...
- Cheese DaysCheese DaysCheese Days is a biannual celebration of cheese and the dairy industry, taking place in Monroe, Wisconsin. The weekend long event typically occurs on the third weekend in September of even-numbered years in the historic downtown area known as “the Square”...
, a biannual celebration of the region's dairy heritage
Education
The Monroe School District is the largest school district in Green County, serving around 2,700 pupils, and having an open enrollment procedure. The school district maintains Monroe High SchoolMonroe High School (Wisconsin)
For schools with a similar name, see Monroe High School.Monroe High School is a high school in Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin. It is part of the School District of Monroe...
, home of the Cheesemakers in the Badger Conference
Badger Conference
The Badger Conference is made up of 14 high school athletic teams in south central Wisconsin. The Badger Conference was established in 1951 and is a member of the WIAA. The conference is further divided into north and south divisions. The Badger Conference is widely recognized for its athletic...
, Monroe Middle School, Abraham Lincoln Accelerated Learning Academy, Parkside Elementary School, and Northside Elementary School. The district also has an alternative high school and middle school, as well as a virtual school. St. Victor Catholic elementary school also serves the community. Monroe has a campus of Blackhawk Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College
Blackhawk Technical College is a technical college in Rock County, Wisconsin and a component of the Wisconsin Technical College System...
, the community's sole institution of post-secondary education.
Wisconsin State Highways
- WIS 11 Runs Around Monroe on the bypass.
- WIS 81 Runs Around Monroe on the bypass.
- WIS 69 Runs on the bypass for 1 mile with WIS 81 and WIS 11
- WIS 59 Ends in The Northeast corner of the city near the Monroe Clinic.
Railroads
Wisconsin and Southern RailroadWisconsin and Southern Railroad
The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad is a Class II regional railroad in the southern portion of Wisconsin and the northeast corner of Illinois. It operates former Chicago, Milwaukee, St...
serves the city with freight service. A branch line from Janesville ends at Badger State Ethanol.
Recreation
Monroe has a number of large parks. The largest include Twining Park, where the city's Swiss bandshell is located; Recreation Park, home to the city swimming pool; and Honey Creek Park, the location of a skate park. The city is the eastern starting point for the Cheese Country TrailCheese Country Trail
The Cheese County Trail is a multi-use rail trail in south central Wisconsin.The trail stretches from Monroe to Mineral Point, connecting Browntown, South Wayne, Gratiot, Darlington, and Calamine. The trail is used with ATVs, bicycles, horses, snowmobiles, and hikers.-External links:*...
, a 47-mile multi-purpose recreational path, and the Badger State Trail
Badger State Trail
The Badger State Trail is a rail trail in south central Wisconsin. The trail leads from the Wisconsin – Illinois state line to Madison passing through, from south to north, Monroe, Monticello, Belleville and Fitchburg. Near Monticello, the trail passes through the long, unlit Stewart Tunnel...
, a bicycle and pedestrian-only trail in summer and an ATV/snowmobile trail in winter. The "Cheese Trail" extends from Mineral Point
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Mineral Point is a city in Iowa County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,617 at the 2000 census. In 2008 the city's population had taken a decline and is currently only 2,462, but still the second most populous community in Iowa County...
to Monroe, while the Badger State Trail runs from the state line to Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison....
and connects to the Jane Addams Trail
Jane Addams Trail
The Jane Addams Trail is a long rail trail in Stephenson County, Illinois.Jane Addams, the trail's namesake, was born in Stephenson County. The trail's endpoints are Freeport, Illinois and the Illinois-Wisconsin state line, where it becomes the Badger State Trail...
in Illinois. Both are former railway corridors. Monroe is also home to Stateline Ice and Community Expo (S.L.I.C.E.), the only indoor ice-rink in Green County.
Notable people
- Bob AndereggBob AndereggRobert H. Anderegg is a retired American basketball player.a 6'3" 200 lbs guard/forward played collegiately for the Michigan State University, and was selected by the New York Knicks in the 3rd round of the 1959 NBA Draft.Anderegg played for the Knicks in the NBA for 33...
, basketball player - Ken BehringKen BehringKenneth Eugene Behring is a real-estate developer, former owner of the Seattle Seahawks football team, and philanthropist.-Early years:...
, former owner, Seattle SeahawksSeattle SeahawksThe Seattle Seahawks are a professional American football team based in Seattle, Washington. They are currently members of the Western Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team... - Evelene BrodstoneEvelene BrodstoneEvelene Brodstone, later Evelyn Vestey, Lady Vestey was one of the highest paid woman executives of the 1920s. Beginning as a stenographer for the Vestey Cold Storage Company in Chicago, Illinois, she rose through the ranks to become the chief auditor and troubleshooter for Vestey Brothers...
, business - David G. DeiningerDavid G. DeiningerDavid G. Deininger is an American Republican politician and jurist from Wisconsin.Born in Monroe, Wisconsin, Deininger graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1969. He served in the United States Navy on a submarine until 1975. In 1978, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law...
jurist and legislator - Loyd Ivey, Owner/CEO of Mitek (MTX AudioMTX AudioMTX Audio is an American consumer audio company that manufactures sound equipment for many applications, including car audio, home audio, marine audio and live sound products. They are best known for their car audio products and they specialize in subwoofers and subwoofer amplifiers. MTX Audio is a...
, Atlas Sound) - Nathan J. LindsayNathan J. LindsayNathan J. Lindsay was a Major General in the United States Air Force.-Biography:Lindsay was born in Monroe, Wisconsin in 1936. He would attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Southern California.-Career:...
, U.S. Air Force Major General - Joe LobdellJoe LobdellJoseph Lobdell is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
, football player - John LuchsingerJohn LuchsingerJohn Luchsinger was an American jurist, legislator, writer, and pioneer from Wisconsin.Born in the Canton of Glarus, Switzerland, Luchsinger came to the United States with his family. They lived in Syracuse, New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before moving to New Glarus, Wisconsin, where...
, legislator, writer, jurist - Ric MathiasRic MathiasRic Mathias was a player in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals in 1998 as a defensive back. He played at the collegiate level at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.-References:...
, NFL player - Perry A.C. ReedPerry A.C. Reed-Biography:Reed was born on January 22, 1871 to John P. and Emma J. Reed in Monroe, Wisconsin. On March 11, 1896 he would marry Abbie L. Westcott.-Career:...
, NebraskaNebraskaNebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
State Senator - Tom TennantTom TennantThomas Francis Tennant was a professional baseball player. In an 11-season minor league career, he had 1,825 hits and a .274 batting average. He also played two games in Major League Baseball in 1912. Tennant was 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 165 pounds.-Career:Tennant was born in Monroe,...
, MLB player - Robin G. TornowRobin G. TornowRobin Gene Tornow was a Brigadier General in the United States Air Force.-Biography:Tornow was born in Monroe, Wisconsin in 1942. He attended the University of Texas at Austin. Tornow died on August 22, 2010.-Career:...
, U.S. Air Force general - Charles TreatCharles TreatCharles Treat was a Brigadier General in the United States Army during World War I. He would be awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal.His award citation reads:Treat was born in Dexter, Missouri, his official residence was listed as Monroe, Wisconsin....
, U.S. Army general, Army Distinguished Service MedalDistinguished Service Medal (Army)The Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Army that is presented to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States military, has distinguished himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Government in a duty of great...
recipient - Nathan Farragut TwiningNathan Farragut TwiningNathan Farragut Twining, KBE was a United States Air Force General, born in Monroe, Wisconsin. He was Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 1953 until 1957...
, Chief of Staff, United States Air ForceUnited States Air ForceThe United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of... - Merrill B. TwiningMerrill B. Twining-References:**...
, General, United States Marine CorpsUnited States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States... - Don S. WengerDon S. WengerDon S. Wenger was a Major General in the United States Air Force.-Biography:Wenger was born in Monroe, Wisconsin in 1911. He attended Milton College, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Marquette University School of Medicine, the St. Mary's University School of Law, and George Washington...
, U.S. Air Force Major General - George Otto WirzGeorge Otto WirzGeorge Otto Wirz was the Roman Catholic titular bishop of Municipa and auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin....
, Roman Catholic bishop - Art YoungArt YoungArthur "Art" Young was an American cartoonist and writer. He is most famous for his socialist cartoons, especially those drawn for the left wing political magazine The Masses between 1911 and 1917.-Early Years:...
, cartoonist and writer - Roy F. ZinserRoy F. ZinserRoy F. Zinser was an officer in the United States Army during World War II. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the Battle of Buna-Gona.His award citation reads:...
, Distinguished Service CrossDistinguished Service Cross (United States)The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree...
recipient - Dick Campbell (singer-songwriter)Dick Campbell (singer-songwriter)Richard S. "Dick" Campbell , was a US folk rock singer-songwriter and film producer. He is best known for his 1966 album Dick Campbell Sings Where It’s At, rated as "the sole masterpiece of the fake-Dylan field"...
, Singer and Song writer, Movie Director