James Downing
Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Devonshire, England, on December 4, 1842, to William and Hannah Downing, James Downing immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts, in about 1850 with his family. On March 6, 1862, James enlisted for three years in the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. Downing saw major combat in Virginia in 1864, including the Siege of Petersburg, during which he was taken captive and sent to Andersonville Prison, a notoriously horrific prisoner-of-war camp. While being transported, Downing escaped and traveled back to the front lines to rejoin his regiment.After the Civil War, Downing was promoted to second lieutenant in the 36th United States Colored Troops, assigned to Company F, comprised of formerly enslaved African Americans from North Carolina and Virginia. The regiment was transferred to Corpus Christi, where 2,000 African American soldiers were stationed. Downing served as Post Adjutant and Assistant Provost Marshal. As Union soldiers in a southern state, the troops and Downing were not always welcome; however, the von Blücher family opened their home to Downing, and he eventually wed Mary Felicia von Blücher. Downing held many different positions and jobs in Corpus Christi, including brick yard owner, Nueces County Voter Registrar (1867), Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, Alderman (1875-76, 1877), Mayor pro tem (1875) and City Marshal (1877-1880). From 1880-86, he lived in Zavala County as Deputy Collector of Customs, returning to Corpus Christi when he was appointed a U.S. Commissioner for the Western District of Texas. Downing died in Corpus Christi on April 28, 1891 and is buried at Old Bayview Cemetery. He is remembered for his contributions to his adopted city, state and nation.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
English-born and Boston-raised, James Downing enlisted in the Massachusetts heavy artillery in 1862, survived combat at Petersburg, and escaped while being taken to the notorious Andersonville prison, making his way back to rejoin his regiment. After the war he was commissioned an officer in the 36th U.S. Colored Troops and posted to Corpus Christi, where he married into the local von Blücher family and built a long civic career—brickyard owner, voter registrar, fire chief, alderman, and city marshal. He died in Corpus Christi in 1891.
Why it matters
Downing's path from Union prisoner to officer of formerly enslaved soldiers to Reconstruction-era official captures the upheaval and possibility of the postwar South in a Texas port city.
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Related people
- · James Downing
- · Mary Felicia von Blücher
Related events
- · Siege of Petersburg
- · Andersonville Prison
Themes & tags
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