Is There a Monroe, Maryland? No — But Here's What Exists Instead

Short answer: No incorporated town named "Monroe" exists in Maryland.

What Does Exist

Monrovia, Maryland

• Unincorporated community in Frederick County
• Near I-70 / MD-75, south of Frederick city
• Named for James Monroe (5th President) — established ~1830s
• Monrovia Elementary, Monrovia Park, historic district
• Population ~2,000 (census-designated place)

Monroe Townships (Unincorporated)

• Monroe Township, Frederick County — surrounds Monrovia
• Monroe Township, Washington County — near Clear Spring
• Note: Maryland uses "townships" as minor civil divisions (not governing municipalities like PA/NJ)

Monroe Street / Avenue / Road

Numerous streets named Monroe across Maryland (Baltimore, Annapolis, Rockville, etc.) — typically honoring James Monroe.

Fort Monroe (Nearby, But Not MD)

• Located in Hampton, Virginia — not Maryland
• Largest stone fort in US, "Freedom's Fortress" (Civil War contraband camp)
• Common confusion due to Chesapeake Bay proximity

Why the Confusion?

• James Monroe was President (1817–1825) — many places named for him
• "Monroe" sounds like "Monrovia" (Liberia's capital, also named for him)
• Maryland has Montgomery County (named for Richard Montgomery) — similar rhythm

How to Verify Any Maryland Place Name

• Maryland Manual On-Line (msa.maryland.gov) — official state reference
• USGS GNIS (geonames.usgs.gov) — geographic names database
• Census Bureau — incorporated places & CDPs
• Maryland Department of Planning — municipal boundaries

If you're looking for Monroe, Maryland — you'll find Monrovia instead. Close enough for history, not for GPS.