The City of Monroe, settled in 1818 and incorporated on November 30, 1821, was named for James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Born in Virginia in 1758, he fought in the Continental Army and later served in the Virginia legislature, in Congress and the Senate, and twice as Governor of Virginia. He was Minister to France, helped negotiate the Louisiana Purchase, and was Minister to England and Spain. He also served as Secretary of State and later as Secretary of War under President Madison. Elected President in 1816 and again in 1820, he is best known as the author of the Monroe Doctrine. He died in New York in 1831.