Harvey Castle Site
Significance:
The marker commemorates the site of Harvey Castle, a Gothic Revival home built in 1844. The castle was the residence of Marie Louise Destrehan and her husband, Joseph Hale Harvey. Notably, it served as the third courthouse of Jefferson Parish from 1874 to 1884. The marker also indicates that the castle was located on the east side of Destrehan Avenue, 450 feet north of the railroad. Sadly, Harvey Castle was demolished in 1924 to enlarge the Harvey Canal and its locks. Its significance lies in:
- Architectural History: It highlights the existence of a Gothic Revival-style home in the area, reflecting architectural trends of the mid-19th century.
- Local Prominence: It identifies the notable residents, Marie Louise Destrehan and Joseph Hale Harvey, indicating their importance in the community.
- Civic Role: Its function as the Jefferson Parish courthouse for a decade underscores its central role in the local government and legal history of the time.
- Impact of Infrastructure Development: Its demolition to facilitate the enlargement of the Harvey Canal and locks illustrates the significant impact of infrastructure projects on the historical landscape.
The Harvey Castle Site Highway Marker is significant because it marks the location of a prominent 19th-century residence that also played a vital civic role as the Jefferson Parish courthouse. Its eventual demolition underscores the dynamic nature of urban development and the impact of infrastructure improvements on historical structures.