Central Business District in Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Crewe of Columbus Birthplace

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 9, 2025

1. Crewe of Columbus Birthplace Marker

Inscription. The Battle-Ross House, built here in the 1850s at 602 Government Street, become the home of the Knights of Columbus Mobile Council 666 in 1920. It served in that capacity until 1969, when the building was sold and demolished. A Mardi Gras mystic society, the Krewe of Columbus, was founded here in 1921 by members of Council "Trip Six." The Krewe held its first parade in 1922. The twelve-float parade depicted scenes from the life of Christopher Columbus and his efforts to reach the New World. Until 1937, only members of the Knights of Columbus could join the Krewe. After that requirement was abandoned, the spelling of the parading oranization's name changed to Crewe of Columbus, so the group would no longer have the same initials as the Knights of Columbus. Dispite the Crewe's separation from the Knights, members were still allowed to hold thier meetings in the Knights hall for many years thereafter. In 2021, the Crewe reached its centennial anniversary as an active mystic society in Mobile.

Erected 2021 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:

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Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 30° 41.264′ N, 88° 2.95′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. It is in the Central Business District. It is on Government Street west of S Warren Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 602 Government St, Mobile AL 36602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Alabama’s Gulf Coast

and in the Mobile Bay area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Kennedy-Cox House / Joshua Kennedy Jr.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 9, 2025

2. Crewe of Columbus Birthplace Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Shaarai Shomayim (within shouting distance of this marker); Barton Academy (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. H. Roger Williams (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Barton Academy (about 600 feet away); Old Church Street Cemetery - 1819 (about 700 feet away); The Quigley House (about 700 feet away); Andrew N. Johnson (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mobile.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 139 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.