Lafayette Cemetery No.1

Introduction

Lafayette Cemetery No.1, located on Washington Avenue in New Orleans Garden District, is one of the city most representative above-ground tombs cemeteries. Established in 1833, it was the first municipally managed cemetery in New Orleans, adopting the unique above-ground tomb architecture due to the city high water table. The tombs, mostly family-owned, are stacked in rows resembling miniature white marble houses, creating one of New Orleans most iconic urban landscapes. The cemetery holds residents from various historical periods, including yellow fever epidemic victims, immigrants of many nationalities, and citizens of all classes, reflecting New Orleans diverse history. Lafayette Cemetery No.1 gained mystical atmosphere through Anne Rice vampire novels, becoming a literary pilgrimage destination. The architecture and burial traditions reflect New Orleans unique cultural fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info