Faubourg Livaudais in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Morris-Downman House
Photographed By Sean Flynn, January 15, 2024
1. Morris-Downman House Marker
"It Became Known As The “Rex Mansion.” "
Exploring Nola blog entry:
A look at the former Morris-Downman house, a few years after it was lost in a fire.
Click for more information.
Exploring Nola blog entry:
A look at the former Morris-Downman house, a few years after it was lost in a fire.
Click for more information.
in the Queen Anne style.
Erected 1888 for
John A. Morris,
a founder in 1868 of the Louisiana State Lottery Company.
The house was purchased in 1906 by
Robert Henry Downman,
a major investor in land and lumber in Louisiana
who reigned as Rex, King of Carnival, in 1907.
The house has been continuously occupied
by Downman's descendants,
the Kock, Grace, and Montgomery families.
Every Mardi Gras,
Rex stops for a special toast here,
the only remaining home of a former Rex
on the parade route.
Erected 2002 by Orleans Parish Landmarks Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 29° 55.929′ N, 90° 5.049′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in Faubourg Livaudais. Marker is at the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and Third Street, on the right when traveling west on St. Charles Avenue. The marker is on the wrought-iron fence in front of Morris-Downman House's lot on St. Charles Avenue; the home itself was destroyed
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Adams – Jones House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gilmour – Parker House (about 600 feet away); The Sully Mansion (about 700 feet away); Edward A. Davis House (about 700 feet away); Mayor Isaac W. Patton House (about 700 feet away); Bradish Johnson House (about 800 feet away); Colonel Short’s Villa (approx. 0.2 miles away); R.N. Girling’s “English Apothecary” (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.
More about this marker. The marker has survived more than 20 years after it was erected, but the home it describes did not. In 2007, the home's attic caught fire after a lightning strike, damaging the roof and part of the dining room. Then in February 2019, a fire broke out in the basement, fueled by pool chemicals. The mansion was destroyed within hours. When visited in January 2024, a large empty lot with some playground equipment was all that was left.
Regarding Morris-Downman House. As noted on the marker, New Jersey native John Morris was an early owner of the home—one of at least nine across the world that he
Photographed By Sean Flynn, January 15, 2024
2. Morris-Downman House Marker
The marker and St. Charles Avenue, in this east-northeasterly facing photo.
Charles Downman, who acquired the home in 1906, was the fourth resident of the house to serve as Rex, in 1907, and his daughter Sadie was the home's fifth parade monarch in 1915. In honor of the prominent Rexes who had lived here, according to the Exploring Nola blog, the Krewe of Rex parade along St. Charles Avenue crosses from the "river side" of St. Charles Avenue (on the south) to the "lake side" so that the current king can receive a formal toast and honor past Rexes.
Photographed By Sean Flynn, January 15, 2024
3. Morris-Downman House Marker
The marker and the empty lot behind it.
Photographed By Sean Flynn, January 15, 2024
4. Morris-Downman House site
In this photo of the house's site from across St. Charles Avenue, the marker is hidden behind a tree.
The Historic New Orleans Collection, gift of Waldemar S. Nelson, 1925
5. Mardi Gras Parade, 1925
The King's float passes 2525 St. Charles Avenue, known as the Morris-Downman House, during the Rex parade in 1925.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, June 29, 2001
6. Morris-Downman House
"Historic St. Charles Ave. house that burned had noteworthy history"
Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans website entry:
A 2011 essay about the Morris-Downman House, after its first fire but before the second one that destroyed it.
Click for more information.
Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans website entry:
A 2011 essay about the Morris-Downman House, after its first fire but before the second one that destroyed it.
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 73 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 17, 2024, by Sean Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 6. submitted on January 19, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
