Downes-Aldrich House ~ Crockett, Texas

The Downes-Aldrich House in Crockett, Texas, is an outstanding example of Eastlake Victorian architecture. Construction was started by James Elbert Downes, a prominent local business and civic leader in Crockett, about 1891 and was completed in 1893. Downes was a native of the area and the son of Texas pioneers. He served in the Civil War and in later years devoted much of his time to the Methodist Church. He imported much of the material for the home’s construction from other states.


In 1911 he sold the house to Armistead Albert Aldrich (don’t you love that name!), a distinguished civic leader and historian. Another Crockett native, Aldrich was educated at the University of Virginia and served as a county judge, a state representative, and a presidential elector. He resided in the house until his death in 1945. The Aldrich family still occupies this beautiful home.

This information comes from three Texas historical markers:  the grave site of James Elbert Downes, the grave site of Armistead Albert Aldrich, and  a marker in front o f the house, which is listed as a Texas historic landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places.