Webb noted that Monroe Drew founded a store and hotel on the east bank of the Trinity River in southern Polk County in 1838. The settlement was known as Mariana and the landing as Drew's landing. The coming of the railroads caused the decline of the settlement, and the post office was closed in 1896. Ruth Peebles noted that Monroe Drew had a sawmill at Drews Landing in 1843. In 1846, Drew and James P. Colins had a sawmill in Polk County. The county tax roll for that year reveals both names but the word “sawmill” on Colins' name has been erased. The mill was valued at $1,900. Monroe owned no land or slaves, but Colins owned 181 acres on the John Waugh original grant and six slaves.
In 1847, Drew is listed as the sole owner of the mill. He did not own land or slaves but had three town lots in Liberty.
In 1848, Drew is listed as having an “interest in sawmill.” In 1849, Drew had four horses; 132 cattle, oxen and hogs; a sawmill; but no land or slaves.