Established in 1831, Monmouth was originally going to be named Kosciusko. Having drawn that tongue twister out of a hat by chance, the founders of Monmouth realized that not only would the name be difficult for some to spell, but the pronunciation was also likely be butchered by all who attempted to utter the word.
Monmouth was founded in 1831 after the land given to a soldier as payment for his services in the War of 1812 was lost in a poker game to John Talbot
Established in 1831, Monmouth was originally going to be named Kosciusko. Having drawn that tongue twister out of a hat by chance, the founders of Monmouth realized that not only would the name be difficult for some to spell, but the pronunciation was also likely be butchered by all who attempted to utter the word.
Monmouth was founded in 1831 after the land given to a soldier as payment for his services in the War of 1812 was lost in a poker game to John Talbot. Talbot was a plantation owner and the town's official first settler to the area. Monmouth Academy was created in 1853, and it was named Monmouth College in 1856, which still exists to this day. Farming and companies that built farming implements and supplies were the mainstays of the local economy until many men were sent south to fight in the Civil War. During that period, the town experienced a lag in the economy, but the discovery of excellent clay near Monmouth caused a pottery boom and enabled the town to once again concentrate on growth and economic prosperity. The population has grown to include 9,444 residents, and Monmouth has become a lovely place to live.
Moving to Monmouth is easiest when you aren't in danger of freezing your rear end off, so if you are able, plan to move after the winter storms have passed. If you can't manage that, keep a close eye on the weather, and bring some gloves! You'll want to give yourself at least four to six weeks to locate the perfect place to live in Monmouth, and then make sure to have your identifying documents, references, and money orders ready.
Monmouth has two neighborhoods that ooze charm and have gobs of historical value. One area is closer to the college, and the other is basically the center of town.
Monmouth College/N. Main St.: If you are looking for places to rent in Monmouth and have a real desire for historic homes, this is absolutely the neighborhood you will want to look at first! Many of the apartment homes in this area were built before 1939 and ooze the charm and old-world style that was so prevalent in the early part of the 20th century. Some of the rental properties are giant, elegant homes that have been subdivided into apartments. If you are lucky, you might even find some places to live that were built prior to the 1930s. One thing about the older, more established properties is that they do take some tender loving care to keep in tip-top condition. Most of the properties you will find available have been updated with modern amenities and appliances, but check them out before you sign on the dotted line.
City Center: Rental apartments in the city center are only slightly more expensive than the N. Main St. neighborhood. This area is considered suburban and pedestrian-friendly. Once again, many of the rental properties are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and very old. A typical home in the city center was built before 1939, with many "newer" homes constructed between 1940 and 1969. The properties available in this neighborhood range in size from small studios to large one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. If you are willing to search a little, you will absolutely fall in love with this part of town!
Monmouth is a town rich with history, and no small amount of famous residents once called this sweet little spot home. The heart and soul of the town resides in its city center, which the residents are extremely fond of. Central Park, with its stunning fountain, is the epicenter of the downtown gathering places just off of the main Public Square. You never know if you are walking in the footsteps of Wyatt Earp, Ronald Reagan, or Abner C. Harding, all past residents of Monmouth! However, they never had the good fortune of tasting black-and-tan onion rings from Petey's Pub and Grill on AmericInn Way. To top that off, head over to Cerar's Barnstormer on West Broadway for dessert. The Chocolate Lava Cake Divine is an experience you won't soon forget. Not a chocolate lover? Olivia's Cookie Jar and Kitchen will satiate your sweet craving with a red velvet cupcake.
