St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 | New Orleans

Information

Landmark: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
City: New Orleans
Country: USA Louisiana
Continent: North America

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans, USA Louisiana, North America

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a historic above-ground burial ground located in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

It is the oldest and most famous of New Orleans's historic cemeteries.

Visual Characteristics

The cemetery consists of above-ground tombs constructed from brick and stucco, arranged in tight rows. Many tombs are whitewashed or painted in muted tones, with some exhibiting signs of age and weathering. The architectural styles vary, reflecting different periods of construction, with common elements including arched entrances, decorative ironwork, and marble tablets. The overall density of tombs creates a compact, maze-like environment.

Location & Access Logistics

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is situated in the French Quarter of New Orleans, approximately 0.8km South of the Mississippi River. It is accessible by foot from most downtown hotels. Vehicle access is restricted; parking is available in commercial lots surrounding the French Quarter, with the closest being the lot at Basin Street and St. Louis Street. Public transport options include the RTA streetcar lines (Canal Street lines) which stop within a 10-minute walk, and various bus routes serving the French Quarter.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 was the first municipal cemetery in New Orleans. Its construction was a response to the yellow fever epidemics that plagued the city, necessitating a designated burial site. The above-ground tomb style is a direct adaptation to New Orleans's high water table, preventing water from flooding the graves. The cemetery's layout and tomb designs reflect the city's Spanish colonial and early American periods.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours are the primary method of visiting the cemetery, as independent access is restricted. Tours focus on the history of New Orleans, its burial customs, and notable interments. Specific tombs of interest include those of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen, and Homer Plessy, of Plessy v. Ferguson fame. Photography is permitted during tours.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not available within the cemetery itself. Shade is limited, provided only by the structures of the tombs. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. No food vendors are present within the cemetery; dining options are available in the surrounding French Quarter.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally mid-morning or late afternoon when the sun angle creates distinct shadows on the tombs. The most comfortable months for visiting are from October to May, avoiding the high heat and humidity of summer. There are no tide-dependent restrictions for visiting.

Facts & Legends

A persistent legend claims that Nicolas Cage purchased a pyramid tomb within the cemetery for his eventual burial, though this remains unverified. The cemetery's unique above-ground structure is a direct result of the city's persistent flooding issues and high water table, a practical solution to a geographical challenge.