Formerly called Upper Rocky Brook, the community now known as Monroe, was first settled by Henry W. Stone. Originally from Crewcorn, England, Stone moved from St. John’s to Old Bonaventure. Looking for a place with good timber, Stone and his family moved to their new home around 1870 and began the community of Upper Rocky Brook. He operated a store and built a watermill to supply the lumber for the many schooners he built for the Labrador fishery.

In the early 1900’s the Monroe Export Company, owned by Walter S. Monroe, was supplying the fishermen of the area with needed supplies for their trip to the Labrador fishery. In return, he would buy their catch for export to other places around the world. Monroe Exporting Company was the beginning of the present day Fishery Products. Walter S. Monroe went on to become a Prime Minister of Newfoundland. The community was renamed Monroe in 1912 in his honor.

Monroe was best known for the Stone shipyard, which built many schooners for the Labrador fishery. The shipyard created much needed employment for the area residents therefore at peak periods, there were as many as 160 people employed. The shipyard also built cargo boats and minesweepers used during World War II. The well known schooner Norma and Gladys was built at Stone’s shipyard. The last boat, the Terra Nova, was constructed in 1947.

Henry W.Stone’s contribution to the war effort was noted by King George who bestowed the title of Member of the British Empire upon him in 1947. A medal and proclamation of the event are still in the family archives.

Monroe, is a quiet community overlooking Smith Sound. It provides residents with scenic views of the surrounding area, wildlife and shorebirds. The tranquil setting provides quiet walks along the countryside and beach.

Monroe has the services of a local Volunteer Fire Department and garbage pick-up. Students from the community travel to Shoal Harbour and Clarenville for their education. Residents commute to nearby communities for work and rely on the town of Clarenville for medical, shopping and banking needs.