St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 - New Orleans

While in New Orleans, Louisiana in December, I decided to make a stop at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Having opened in 1789, it is one of the city's oldest cemeteries. It is famous for its above ground burials and tombs, as well as being the resting place for the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau.

Marie Laveau was born to a free woman of color in 1801, and although little is known with certainty about her life, she is most famous for being a renowned Voodoo practitioner. Many people make the trip to see her tomb each year, and often leave gifts to honor the Voodoo Queen.

The cemetery is also known to be home to several spirits as well. One such spirit is that of a former 19th century sailor by the name of Henry who is in search of his lost family's tomb. Another spirit is that of the Ghostly Alphonse. As with Henry, he appears to be trying to find an eternal resting place.

While visiting St. Louis #1, one can't help but feel the vast amounts of history that this one, small plot of land holds. Home to some 700 tombs, and over 100,000 dead, this cemetery is still active. It is definitely worth a stop to anyone who is visiting the Crescent City.

Please note that the Roman Catholic Diocese of New Orleans has closed the cemetery to the general public due to the rise of vandalism. If you wish to visit the cemetery, you must enter with a tour group, unless you have family buried in the cemetery (which you can apply for a pass to enter).

Have you visited St. Louis No. 1?