Saint Louis Cemetery
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Saint Louis Cemetery is the name of three Roman Catholic cemeteries in New Orleans, Louisiana.
StLouisCemetaryNo1.jpg
The burials are in above ground vaults; most were constructed in the 18th century and 19th century. The above-ground tombs, required here because the ground water levels make burial impractical in New Orleans, are strongly reminiscent of the tombs of Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris.
Saint Louis #1
St. Louis Cemetery #1 is the oldest and most famous. It was opened in 1789, replacing the city's older St. Peter Cemetery (no longer in existence) as the main burial ground with a redesign of the city after a fire in 1788.
It is 8 blocks from the Mississippi River, 1 block back from the French Quarter, bordering the housing project that was built over what was formerly Storyville. It has been in continuous use since its foundation. Due to crime risks, it is inadvisable for individual tourists to visit the cemetery on their own, but it can be safely visited with groups. Free walking tours are given by the National Park Service, and paid tours are given by various commercial enterprises.
Marie Laveau is buried in Saint Lous Cemetery #1, in the Glapion family crypt.
Saint Louis #2
St. Louis #2 is located some 3 blocks back from St. Louis #1, bordering Claiborne Avenue. It was consecrated in 1823. A number of notable jazz and rhythm & blues musicians are buried here, including Danny Barker and Ernie K. Doe. Also entombed here is Dominique You, a notorious pirate who assisted in the defence of the city against the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
Saint Louis #3
St. Louis #3 is located some 2 miles back from the French Quarter, some 30 blocks from the Mississippi, fronting Esplanade Avenue near Bayou St. John. It opened in 1854. The crypts on average are more elaborate than at the other St. Louis cemeteries, including a number of fine 19th century marble tombs. Those entombed here include ragtime composer Paul Sarebresole and photographer E. J. Bellocq. St. Louis #3 also includes a Greek Orthodox section.
See also: List of United States cemeteries