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.