In 1853, a group of settlers from Monmouth, Illinois settled in the Willamette Valley. The pioneers set aside 640 acres to build the town and a "college under the auspices of the Christian Church." Proceeds from the sale of these lands were used to found Monmouth University. As part of their beliefs the city of Monmouth was not allowed to sell alcohol. In 1856 the City of Monmouth was incorporated. By the early 1880's the college fell on hard times. In 1882, ownership was transferred to the State of Oregon and it was renamed Oregon State Normal School at Monmouth. It is now known as Western Oregon University.

Monmouth is a city of 8,795 (July 2005). The city is located 20 minutes West of Salem, the state capitol. The Pacific coastline and Cascade Mountains are an hours drive from the city. In January 2003, the 144 year old ban on the sale of Alcoholic beverages was lifted after a public vote. It was the last dry municipality in the western US.

Outside of WOU, Monmouth is a mostly agricultural town. Monmouth has seen recent growth and has a lot of new construction homes in the area. Monmouth has five city parks. Monmouth shares a high school with Independence. Due to its affordable housing and access to higher education, Monmouth is a nice place to live.