The 1854 Gazetteer of the United States by Thomas Baldwin shows:

MONROE, a county forming the S. E. extremity of Michigan, bordering on Lake Erie, contains 540 square miles. It is traversed from W. to E. by the Raisin river, bounded on the N. E. by Huron river, and also drained by Macon river, and Stony, Saline, and Swan creeks. The surface in the N. is level and heavily timbered; the S. part consists of rolling prairies, interspersed with groves of oak and hickory. The soil is fertile, producing good crops of wheat and other grain. The valley of Raisin river is noted for beauty and fertility. In 1850 this county produced 114,600 bushels of wheat; 198,818 of corn; 78,248 of potatoes, and 18,191 tons of hay. It contained 5 churches, 3 newspaper offices, 3317 pupils attending public schools, and 264 attending academies or other schools. Limestone and other good building stone are found. The rivers furnish extensive water-power. The Southern railroad passes through the county. Organized in 1817. Capital, Monroe City. Population, 14,698.