Historic cemeteries in New Orleans

New Orleans' "Cities of the Dead" are world-renowned for their elaborate above-ground tombs and ornate masonry, a practice necessitated by the city's high water table. This collection features historic sites ranging from the 18th-century Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 to the unique folk-art markers of Holt Cemetery. Visitors can explore diverse architectural styles, including Gothic Revival and Greek Revival, while discovering the resting places of jazz legends, civil rights leaders, and historical figures who shaped the city's multicultural heritage.

Historic Cemeteries — Map

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A

Saint Louis Cemetery Number One

Saint Louis Cemetery is the name of three Catholic cemeteries in New Orleans, Louisiana.

B

Saint Louis Cemetery #2

Established in 1823, this cemetery is divided into three squares. It contains the tombs of notable figures like jazz musician Danny Barker and pirate Dominique You, showcasing a variety of 19th-century funerary architecture and societal vaults.

C

St John's Cemetery

Located near City Park, this cemetery features traditional above-ground tombs and wall vaults characteristic of New Orleans' historic burial customs.

D

St. Louis Cemetary #3

Opened in 1854, this cemetery is noted for its wide aisles and ornate marble tombs. It contains dedicated sections for various religious orders and elaborate societal tombs representing the city's diverse immigrant populations.

E

Mt. Olivet Cemetery and Masoleum

Founded in 1820, this historic African American cemetery and mausoleum serves as the final resting place for many prominent jazz musicians and civil rights figures.

F

Saint Roch Cemetery

Established in 1874, this site features a Gothic Revival chapel famous for its collection of ex-votos, including prosthetic limbs and crutches, left by pilgrims seeking miraculous healing.

G

Masonic Cemetery

Established in 1865, this fraternal cemetery is characterized by tombs and markers featuring prominent Masonic symbols, such as the square and compass, reflecting the traditions of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana.

H

Holt Cemetery

Distinguished by its below-ground burials and folk-art aesthetic, this cemetery features unique, handmade grave markers and personal memorials. It is the burial site of early jazz pioneer Buddy Bolden.

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