We are ready. We have our tickets. We are at the Basin Street Station information center. The tour is about to begin. Saint Louis Cemetery Number One is the oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans. It opened in 1789.
Colorado Traveling Ducks with our guide
At the entrance with our guide, we are ready to enter. So many.
One tomb may be for many family members
These tombs are large and close together. One claims to have remains of more than 80 human family members. All tombs are above ground. Remember, New Orleans is below sea level and located on the Mississippi River where the river meets the Gulf of Mexico. Here is possibly the most famous grave in the cemetery, actually in the entire city.
Marie Laveau
Marie Laveau was the most famous voodoo priestess.
Marie Laveau
But she also attended the Roman Catholic Church. That is why she is allowed to be buried here. Her followers leave flowers and tokens of admiration. You can see how the cemeteries arranged.
Rows of tombs
There are many rows, each with several tombs. Here is an unusual situation.
Future home of Nicholas Cage
This pyramid has been purchased, but there is no body here. The American actor, Nicholas Cage, likes New Orleans and this is his tomb. He purchased this in 2010 and when he dies he wishes to be buried here. Some of you may recognize this one.
Large. Was in a movie
This tomb was used in a Hollywood movie. I’m not sure which movie, but maybe Easy Rider. This tomb reminds us that this cemetery is really old.
Old tombs
This one has places for many human remains.
Places for many
Each in a separate tomb. Looks like more than one human buried here.
Homer Plessy
One of them, Homer Plessy, was the plaintiff for the landmark 1896 Plessy v Ferguson Supreme Court decision on civil rights. There is so much history here in the cemetery. Our cemetery tour was very interesting and our guide was wonderful. Back at the information center, we rest on this decorative coffin.
Decorative coffin
We get back on the tourist bus.
Soapy’s mom on bus with cemetery in background
Soapy’s mom is here with the Saint Louis Cemetery Number One in the background. Due to vandalism, people can only visit with a tour guide. Relatives may apply for special passes. Visit a cemetery. It is really interesting.
Colorado Traveling Ducks 
I never thought about the need to bury people above ground where there is a lot of water. Makes sense.
I hadn’t really thought about it either. But life at sea level near the Gulf of Mexico is different than our life a mile above sea level. Fascinating place to visit.
Very interesting! It’s pretty neat that Nicholas Cage has a tomb there. It looks so new compared to the others.
His pyramid is newer. And unused. I was a little surprised, but guess it is hard to get space in this cemetery. Interesting place.
While in NOLA, my van tour visited a cemetery, but unfortunately I don’t recall which one. Yes, it was a very interesting place!
The cemeteries are fascinating. The ornate tombs and all the stories. We chose this one because of Marie Laveau. And the location was convenient. Glad you also visited a cemetery here.