Iberville in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Marie C. Couvent
Photographed By Craig Doda, December 24, 2018
1. Marie C. Couvent Marker
"My name is Marie Justine Cirnaire. I was born in Guinea. When I was perhaps seven years of age I was carried to St. Dominique. I am as a result not aware of the name of my father nor of my mother, nor do I know my age. I was married to Bernard Convent, free Negro, whose widow I now am. We have had no children."
"I bequeath and order that my land at the corner of Grand Hommes and Union Streets [now Dauphine and Touro] be dedicated and used in perpetuity for the establishment of a free school for the colored orphans of the faubourg Marigny… Also, I declare that said lands and buildings shall never be sold under any pretext whatsoever."
From the last will and testament of Mme. Marie C. Couvent, native of Africa
Marie C. Couvent died on June 29, 1837, at an approximate age of 80. Her funeral was held at St. Louis Cathedral. Though Mme. Couvent received no formal education, her last will and testament bequeathed land and buildings to be used as a school for orphans who had no other educational opportunities. Established in 1847, the institution has successively been Called the Catholic School for Indigent Orphans, Couvent Institute, St. Louis School of Holy Redeemer Parish, Holy Redeemer, and Bishop Perry Middle School. The institution still sands as Dauphine and
this page online
Erected 1999 by Friends of New Orleans Cemeteries.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Education • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is June 29, 1837.
Location. 29° 57.583′ N, 90° 4.567′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in Iberville. Marker can be reached from North Claiborne Avenue just north of Iberville Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans LA 70112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sisters Of The Holy Family (here, next to this marker); Jordan B. Noble (within shouting distance of this marker); Oscar James Dunn (within shouting distance of this marker); Capt. Andre Caillioux (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Paul Capdevielle (about 400 feet away); Jacques Phillippe Villere (about 400 feet away); Dominique You (about 400 feet away); Duplantier-Peniston Tomb (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.
Photographed By Craig Doda, December 24, 2018
2. Marie C. Couvent Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 361 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 5, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
