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However, when it became known that his sympathies really were with the South, his popularity lessened. At the end of his term, 1862 he left public office forever, but continued to exert influence on the Democratic Party.
Since the great drought of 1863-64 had ruined the cattle industry, Downey believed the way out was to break up the great holdings and to sell tracts for small farms to newcomers. In the spring of 1865 he subdivided St. Gertrude's Rancho. He purchased a lot in Los Angeles and built a two-story brick mansion with the first private ballroom in town. Here the ex-governor and his wife the former Maria Guirado, gave fashionable parties that made their home the city's most important social center.
In 1871, with I.W. Hellman, Downey established the Farmers and Merchants Bank. Because plans had been completed to bring the Southern Pacific Railroad to Los Angeles, with branch lines out of the city, he foresaw the importance of communities along these railways. On his own ranch, he laid out a town and named the community Downey. The first home was erected there 1873. Two years later, Downey, now a prospers, flourishing city, had many homes, a hotel, two churches, a school, and a newspaper.
In 1874, he started East Los Angeles, using in his publicity such slogans as "Splendid Home sites for All." Among his many other accomplishments were the attracting of many immigrants to the region, bringing in the first artesian well in the district on some land near Compton, and being one of the founders of the Pioneer Oil Company.
He also helped organize the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce (then called the Board of Trade), the second horse car line in the community, and the Los Angeles Public Library.
Downey's life was saddened by a terrible railroad accident that occurred January 29,1883. He and his wife were on a southbound train that had stopped at Techachapi Station, near the summit of the Techachapi Mountains. The locomotive was detached and was taking on water when suddenly the train began to move down the slope, gained momentum, and at great speed plunged into a ravine below. The old-fashioned stoves and lamps set fire to the cars. More than 20 people died, and others were crushed and burned. Among those who lost their lives was Mrs. Downey. For years Downey suffered from nervous shock. He died in his home in Los Angeles about 10 years later.
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