self guided tour of st louis cemetery #1

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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 - Official Tours

• 501 Basin St. , New Orleans, LA 70112 ( Directions ) | P: (504) 777-3027
• 501 Basin St. , New Orleans, LA 70112 ( Directions ) P: (504) 777-3027
• 501 Basin St. New Orleans, LA 70112 ( Directions ) P: (504) 777-3027
• Visit Website •
• Neighborhood: French Quarter

Daily 9am-3:45pm; Tours every 15-30 minutes

• History/Heritage

Honoring New Orleans rich history, The Official Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 guides you through the tombs of the city's most famous and historical figures. Step beyond the iron gates and experience the beautiful St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.  Small Group Tours Depart DAILY, every 15 minutes from 9:00am until 3:45pm last departure.  

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, established in 1789, is a very rare and fragile architectural site, and managed visitation is required to insure the sustainability of this active burial site & historic treasure for generations to come. Visit our website to book your tour today!

No inventory available at this time, please contact this provider for additional information

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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is now open for guided tours - See the tour schedule below!

Walk Among New Orleans' Most Historic Tombs

Honoring New Orleans’ rich history, the Official Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 guides you through the tombs of the city’s most famous and infamous historical figures. Step beyond the iron gates and experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans.

A Journey through City of the Dead

Cemetery tours nola takes visitors on an intriguing journey through  st. louis cemetery no. 1.  dedicated tour guides escort small groups along meandering paths within the cemetery, as they share the storied pasts of those residing in this magnificent city of the dead., tour groups depart every 15-30 minutes from 9 am - 3:45 pm each group is limited to 20 guests, so it's recommended that you reserve in advance., cancellation & refund policy, all orders may be cancelled or modified (date/time) up to 24 hours in advance of the scheduled tour., call or email us for assistance, within 24 hours, no cancellations and no refunds.   within 24 hours, modifications are subject to availability., the voodoo queen's resting place.

Immerse yourself in the mysterious life and death of the renowned Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. As one of New Orleans' most well-known historical figures, her legacy significantly intertwines with the beloved culture of the Cresent City.

Elegant Society Tombs & Historic Architecture

Established in 1789, St. Louis No. 1 is New Orleans oldest extant cemetery, embodying 300 years of New Orleans history and culture, visitors transcend time as they navigate through the intriguing wonders inhabiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Nicolas Cage's Pyramid Tomb

From deceased New Orleans natives to Hollywood celebrities still among the living, the graveyard also features Nicolas Cage's eccentric pyramid tomb. Learn more about the myths surrounding Cage's nine-foot-tall future resting place.

Beauty Beyond the Gates

Ready to experience the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1? Reserve your tickets today!

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St. Louis Cemetery #1 Official Tour Tickets

Tour Information

St. louis cemetery 1, st. louis cemetery 1 highlights.

This post provides details for our St. Louis Cemetery #1 walking tours, including where and when they start, sites that we visit or see, and other related content.

NOTE: St. Louis Cemetery #1 is currently closed to all tour companies except for one. This tour runs daily, every 15-minutes (from 9:00 am till 3:45 pm).

Book this tour here .

We have set up a new tour at the equally wonderful St. Louis Cemetery #3. Learn more about this tour here .

• Tour Description
• Meeting Point + Schedule
• Guide to the Cemetery
• More Tour Options
• Our Other City Tours
• Things to Do in NOLA

TOUR DESCRIPTION

St. Louis #1, 'The City of the Dead', is located just blocks away from the French Quarter, whose raucous streets are filled with life all hours of the day.

Made famous worldwide in the 1969 movie Easy Rider, it is the oldest active cemetery in New Orleans - founded in the late 18th century.

The cemetery contains a labyrinth of tombs, unique to most in the U.S., which hold the remains of some of the city's important historical figures, including, as legend would have it, Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau.

Join us, Free Tours by Foot, on our St. Louis Cemetery #1 Tour, as we enter the world beyond and gain a true New Orleans experience.

Get ready to be wowed by the resting places of New Orleans' dead, and living (Nicolas Cage already has a tomb) and uncover a unique side of Creole Culture. 

Be sure to check out our guide to New Orleans cemeteries .

Sights, people, and topics we cover on the tour:

• Homer Plessy's tomb
• Mayor Dutch Morial tomb
• Marie Laveau and Voodoo
• Iconic "Oven" Wall Vaults
• Civil Rights in New Orleans
• Learn about jazz funerals
• The Italian Mutual Benevolent Society Tomb (Easy Rider Tomb)
• Bernard de Mandeville de Marigny
• Benjamin Latrobe Marker
• Musson Family Tomb
• Daniel Clark/Myra Clark Gaines tomb
• The Musicians Tomb

Check out our post on things to See in St. Louis Cemetery #1 to learn more.

Tour information

Reservations: REQUIRED. Click here to reserve .  Groups of 10 or more persons should visit our group inquiry page .

When: View our full tour calendar .

Where:  The tour starts and ends at DejaVu Restaurant at 400 Dauphine Street .

Duration:  1.5 hours

Cost: Pay-what-you-wish. $2 cemetery preservation fee required (see above).  Groups of 6-9 must prepay $12/person.  

Save more money in New Orleans with a  tourist discount pass  and consider a  swamp tour  and a plantation tour .

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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour - Enters the Cemetery

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The Official Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 takes you through the gates to walk the paths between the tombs where the most famous of New Orleans' historical figures have been laid to rest. Visit the tombs of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, Homer Plessy, and more.

Description

Stop At: Basin St. Station, 501 Basin St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

Tour gathers and departs from inside of Basin St. Station. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to tour time to collect your tickets and tour stickers and to be prepared for a timely tour departure.

Basin St. Station is a lovely visitors center where you will find a wide array of exhibits about New Orleans, an interactive map about Hurricane Katrina floodwaters, a Cafe, pristine restrooms, a gift shop, and more.

Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, 425 Basin St, 3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

At the time of your tour departure, your tour guide will greet you at the Cemetery Tour Desk inside of Basin St. Station. Your tour will begin promptly with a short walk across the street, up to the front gates of the Cemetery. Step inside the gates for your in-depth tour of historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Duration: 45 minutes

• Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
• Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
• Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
• Duration: 55 minutes (Approx.)
• Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

• Guided tour through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
• Gratuities (Optional)
• Gratuity for tour guide is not included

What To Bring

• Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
• Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
• This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Average 4.61 out of 5 stars based on 1,937 traveler reviews collected by Cool New Orleans and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Call Us , " data-help-center="text-us"> Text Us , or Live Chat to speak with a Destination Specialist Product code: C-60593P4

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ST LOUIS CEMETERY #1 TOUR

“The first thing you notice about New Orleans are the burying grounds - the cemeteries - and they're a cold proposition, one of the best things there are here. Going by, you try to be as quiet as possible, better to let them sleep. Greek, Roman, sepulchres- palatial mausoleums made to order, phantomesque, signs and symbols of hidden decay - ghosts of women and men who have sinned and who've died and are now living in tombs. The past doesn't pass away so quickly here. You could be dead for a long time” ― Bob Dylan

St. Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans is one of the most viewed and visited cemeteries in the world. This is our very own City of the Dead. This still-active cemetery was established in 1789 by Spanish Royal Decree, and it is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans and the final resting place of many prominent New Orleans families and colorful individuals. These are the tombs of the people who settled and built the city of New Orleans.

While the beautifully eerie walled cemetery spans only one square block it contains over 700 weathered above-ground tombs and is the resting place of thousands including voodoo priestess Marie Laveau, chess champion Paul Morphy, Homer Plessy of the famed Plessy v Ferguson Supreme Court Case, U.S. Capitol architect Benjamin Latrobe, Barthelemy Lafon, the architect and surveyor who allegedly became one of Jean Lafitte's pirates, local and national politicians, war heros, and many others. Scenes for the movies Cincinnati Kid (1965) and Easy Rider (1969) were filmed in the St. Louis Cemetery.

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Self guided tour of cemetery - St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

• United States    
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• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Self guided tour of cemetery

We did a self-guided tour. Read up on it before visiting. If you're looking for more info take a guided tour

i think the guides are at 1 pm and you can find them in the building to the north just prior - they know it and show it and its good for the preservation society. Marie Leveau and a number of others - i like Nicolas cages future tomb/pyramid and interesting stories from the battle of new orleans as well. i was concerned by the seedy area but it was safe enough in the day - unlike some other ones in town - check with the preservation society or tourism centres

My daughter and I walked in terrible heat to St. Louis cemetery #1 specifically to see the tomb of Marie Laveau. It was a great adventure for us to share, and find the tomb on our own. Here is our advice: You can go on your own, walking is ok. you are walking to the police station at the end of st louis, we. there are a couple of bad blocks but the cemetery closes at 3 pm so its not dark. That being said what we overheard walking by a tour really stoked our interest to find out more about the history on our own. The Save Our Cemetery would be worth $ totally. If your walking and its warm, go to cafe dumonde by first, get a frozen cafe au lait and walk across the street and down st ann street to get there, its a bit of a hike in the heat. you will cross bourbon and st ann's which is right at marie laveau's voodoo shop on the way. Go in the Fall, its soooo hot in the summer ;) If you dont have a sense of adventure or any imagination or fascination with history or voodoo or slave culture etc.. you will find it boring. But if your a curious person and want the real deal, this is it. also... dont leave crap that you dont want from the bottom of your purse at the tomb. if you want to leave an 'offering" for fun, I hear she was a chain smoker and likes cigarettes ;)

As a local, and a licensed tour guide, a few observations: 1. The cemetery is generally safe. You can visit on your own. 2. You can buy a guide book from Save Our Cemeteries. If you can read a map, confusing does not apply. if you can't, sorry. For those who choose to visit with out a guide: Don't try to listen to guides that people paid for. That really is theft, isn't it? 3. Do not give money to any one with out a tour guide license. Only licensed guides are allowed to give tours. If they lie about being licensed, about what else are they lying? Guides do not wander the cemetery looking for tours. 4. Enjoy your visit.

I didn't go on an official tour however I was quite amazed at the cemetary. Afterall, I have never seen one like it. It's definitely worth a walk-thru.

You can go without a guide but it is better with a guide. We learned so much. Great pictures and interesting history.

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St Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans

Established in 1789 St Louis Cemetery #1 is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans and famous for it’s appearance in the film Easy Rider along with being the final resting place of several important historical figures, like Maire Laveau and Homer Plessy . New Orleans cemeteries are also famous for our unique burial traditions which you can learn about by clicking here

St Louis cemetery #1 has attracted visitors for some time now and not only for the right reasons. There has been many cases of vandalism reported in recent years; people marking the graves or defacing them like in the case of one of the most popular attractions – the burial site of 19th century Voodoo priest Marie Laveau. As a result access to the cemetery is restricted to tours led by a licensed guide and to relatives of the deceased. This policy prevented further damage to the mausoleums and tombs and help preserve for the next generations what is a fascinating and rich testimony to the history and culture of New Orleans.

After The Covid-19 Pandemic The New Orleans Archdioceses decided to close St Louis #1 to all but one tour operator. Fortunately for you there are still plenty of Free Cemeteries worth visiting. You can check out more info on cemeteries worth visiting in New Orleans by clicking here.

The last we checked the tour of St Louis #1 is $25 per person and it’s up to you to decide it it’s worth visiting. It is very close to the French Quarter so if your time in New Orleans is limited it might be a great option for you. Personally, we miss being able to take people into a New Orleans cemetery so we now offer a free to join tour of St Louis #3 , established in 1853, located in present day Bayou St John which is a great neighborhood to visit, close to City Park.

If you feel like St Louis #1 and the tomb of Marie Laveau is calling to you use the link below to book this tour, if you have more time and are perhaps a bit more adventurous consider our free tour of St Louis #3

Check out the only tour that enters St Louis #1 below

Two Saints Cemetery Tour

Nola Tour Guy is proud to offer the only FREE! “pay what you feel” New Orleans cemetery tour. It is the best deal in the city!

Join us as we traverse Bayou St. John, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, as well as the mysterious city of the dead, St. Louis Cemetery #3. St Louis Cemetery #3 dates back to 1853 and is one of the best historic cemeteries that is still open to the public. This tour is riddled with unique architectures, histories and landscapes found nowhere else in the world.

We are excited to share this amazing part of New Orleans through our entertaining and comprehensive hour-long tour. Follow us back in history as we walk the city’s oldest road which houses the city’s most historic plantation house, as well as, the site of New Orleans’ largest Voodoo ritual conducted by Marie Laveau II.

We offer this New Orleans graveyard tour at various limited times, but we are also excited to share with you a FREE self-guided version of our NOLA cemetery tour if you can’t join us for our tour.

Click the button to find our tour times and availability.

This is still an active cemetery, please be respectful while visiting any cemetery.

Learn more about New Orleans History on a Free walking tour!

At Nola Tour Guy our goals are to give tours that are intellectually stimulating, historically accurate and FUN. We only offer walking tours because we believe that walking is the best way to see a city and learn about it and at a price everyone can afford

Nola Tour Guy offers no novelty “ghost” or “vampire” tours only the real history brought to life by our passionate guides. Join us, you won’t be disappointed.. .

Our guide to Planning your Trip to New Orleans

Let us help you plan your trip to New Orleans. We are experts of all things New Orleans and we’ve been putting our knowledge together into a guide. This guide is a collection of articles that can act as a free trip planning guide giving you an idea of some of the best things to do, tours that are worth your time and money, places to see and where to eat. So check out our free trip planning guide.

Author:  David Hedges

Nola Tour Guy was started by David G. Hedges an adventurous, fun-loving Chicago native who considers New Orleans his true home. At the age of 19, David traveled to New Orleans via hitchhiking and freight trains despite not knowing anyone in the city. He quickly became enamored with New Orleans and after finishing up college in Chicago, decided to move there permanently. In 2011, David pursued his tour guide license so he could share his passion for the city with others, but found that many existing tour companies were based out of state and offered only a cookie cutter, watered down version of New Orleans’ unique history. No one can truly feel the city’s energy or understand its dynamic layers on a large, crowded tour or in a blur on a streetcar. David knew he could do better and started his own company, Nola Tour Guy. On his tours, David imparts captivating history with grace and good humor and gives real depth to a complex, diverse city. Most of all, he aims to make these tours fun and engaging. Join David on a FREE tour and fall in love with New Orleans just like he has!.

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Looking for a shorter walking tour? Check out www.shorttoursnola.com!

Self-guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery #2

Self-Guided Tour of St Louis Cemetery #2

We now visit this cemetery twice a day on our Two Cemeteries Tour , but if you can’t tour with us, please use this guide to explore this special, sacred place.

Note: St. Louis Cemetery #2 is owned by the Archdiocese of New Orleans and is still an active cemetery. Although this self-guided tour focuses on the stories of New Orleans history and culture that can be learned from the cemetery, it is still first and foremost a sacred burial ground. If you encounter a funeral while you are visiting, kindly go to one of the other two squares and return later to complete the tour. The graveside portion of a New Orleans funeral does not last long.

Tombs and overgrown foliage

St Louis Cemetery #2, established in 1823, is one of the oldest and most beautiful of New Orleans’ above-ground cemeteries. It is also one of the most endangered. The neighborhood around it suffered in the 1960s when Claiborne Avenue, once a lovely, wide, oak tree-lined thoroughfare, was stripped of its trees so Interstate 10 could go directly through the historically-rich neighborhood. The result was irreparable blight, followed in the 1980s and 90s by crime and deterioration. In addition to such problems, vibrations and pollution from the interstate overpass itself has damaged the physical structures in the cemetery, adding to the typical problems of plant overgrowth and age. Between the 1930s and the 1990s, the cemetery lost 25% of its tombs, as they crumbled to the ground and were removed.

Dilapidated, weedy tomb

However, its charm can’t be erased by these problems.  In its three blocks are the stories of New Orleans last 200 years: celebrations, music, miracles, heartbreaks, war, and families. Ironically, it is our cemeteries that make us reflect on life, that make us think of the incredible things that each person can do, and that help us define who we are now.

The cemetery is open every day (except holidays) from 9am till 3pm, but since the caretakers have to make their rounds of several cemeteries to open and close every day, it is advisable to not go too close to opening or closing time to avoid the chance of waiting by the gate or being kicked out. No bikes or animals (except certified service animals) are allowed in the cemetery

CEMETERY ETIQUETTE: Like the Girl Scouts say, “Take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints.” Obviously, do not take anything off of any tombs or walls. It would be a wonderful thing to go a step further and bring an empty bag to fill with trash. Leaving offerings like flowers, pennies, or other mementoes is appropriate; marking graves is definitely not. Leaving food is not allowed. There are trashcans in the cemetery.

Take lots and lots of pictures. Bring water to drink.

Enter the cemetery on Conti Street between Claiborne and S. Robertson . The cemetery is divided into three blocks, or squares. The first square you will visit is the downriver square, so if you are facing the Claiborne overpass, the entrance is on your right.

Wall vaults

On either side of you as you enter, you will notice that the walls are actually interment chambers themselves. These are wall vaults , one of the oldest and most common tomb-types in New Orleans. The deceased is placed in the vault, usually in a plain wooden or cardboard casket. The vault gets very hot inside and the body deteriorates significantly. When the family wishes to put another member in the chamber, the vault is opened, the remains pushed to the back of the chamber, and the new casket is put in. In this way, several family members can rest together in the same chamber.

Most of the individual tombs that line the walkways are called family tombs . These are meant to contain several generations of the same family. Inside each tomb are 2-3 shelves. When a family member dies, he or she is placed in a plain wooden or cardboard casket on a shelf, and the tomb is sealed with one course of bricks and a thin layer of mortar. When all the shelves are full and another family member dies, the remains of the person who has been in the tomb the longest are removed and placed in the bottom of the tomb (in a chamber called a caveau – like a basement) and the recently deceased is placed on the now-vacant shelf. In this way, dozens of family members can lie in rest together for eternity.  Traditionally, you must wait one year and one day before you disturb the remains of one person to place the remains of another in the tomb. If several deaths occur in the same family within a short period of time and the year-and-a-day rule cannot be met, someone may be put in a wall vault temporarily, to be removed and brought to the family tomb the next year.

Turn away from the Treme tomb and walk between the tombs in front of you (a white one is on your left). Turn right after you go between these tombs. There will be an orange tomb on your right now.

Cazadores d’Orleans tomb

There is an enormous tomb in front of you on your left. Walk up to it. It is the Cazadores d’Orleans Tomb . The tomb-type is a society tomb. Society tombs belong to a group like a religious order, trade union, social club or fraternal organization. The members pay dues and one benefit of membership is that the member can be interred in the society tomb when they die. This particular tomb is the tomb of the Cazadores d’Orleans, a self-formed militia of Spanish-American men. When it was built in 1836, this impressive tomb cost 15,000 dollars. Militias were popular and well-organized. The Cazadores d’Orleans were a sub-unit of the Louisiana Legion, a militia group who were at the ready for protection of the city, putting down slave rebellions, and controlling riots. Mostly, however, they liked to march in formation for almost every celebration in New Orleans. They wore elaborate uniforms and were reportedly an impressive sight. All the militias of the Louisiana Legion were disbanded by law in 1862 so their members could fight for the Confederacy.

With the Cazadores tomb on your left and a fenced tomb ahead on your right, go ahead and around the fenced tomb and across the main aisle to the fenced Villere tomb.

Villere family tomb – we don’t know where the dog was buried.

The Villere’ tomb was restored in the 1970s to honor this important family in New Orleans history. The first Villere’ in Louisiana, Etienne, came here with Iberville in 1699 to begin colonizing the region for France. Etienne’s son, Joseph, was executed by Governor O’Reilly for resisting Spanish rule. Joseph’s son, Jacques, interred here, was the first native-born (or Creole) governor of Louisiana from 1816-1820. His son, Rene Gabriel, was a Major in the Battle of New Orleans. Gabriel, as he was called, was smoking a cigar on the porch of the family plantation when the British took him by surprise and imprisoned him in his own house. He escaped through a window and ran to the woods, where he climbed a tree. His faithful dog found him and stood at the base of the tree crying after him. With tears in his eyes,  he shot his own dog to avoid being found by the pursuing British. He made his way to the city, where he was able to warn General Andrew Jackson that the British were advancing on New Orleans.

Facing the Villere tomb, turn left (your back is to the spot where you entered the cemetery).

Look for the Placide Forstall tomb almost to the end of the aisle on your right.

Placide Forstall

Placide Forstall – Placide, an insurance broker, was the husband of Marie-Borja “Borquita” Delphine Lopez y Angulla de la Candelaria, who was the first-born of Madame Delphine Lalaurie, a woman whose horrible treatment of her slaves is notorious fodder for nighttime ghost tours and who was portrayed by Kathy Bates in “American Horror Story: Coven”. Placide handled the Lalaurie’s local affairs after they escaped to France following the discovery of Madame Lalaurie’s horrible crimes. Placide’s wife, Borquita, whose name is on the tablet on the side of this tomb, was born during a shipwreck in Cuba. Placide and Borquita had nine children.

Chronos with wreath

Across the aisle from the tomb with the leaning tablet is deArmas tomb . Note the hourglass with wings and wreath. The hourglass with wings is the symbol of Chronos, the Greek Titan of time. Simply translated, it means “time flies,” or death comes too soon. The wreath is a wreath of victory, which can be interpreted to mean the victory of eternal life over death. It is an excellent example of a combination of Greek and Christian symbolism.

Turn right at the end of the aisle. Look for a large white tomb on your right (Geo. J. Marin), and the one right after it is Jacques Pitot.

Jacques (James) Pitot , who served as mayor of New Orleans from 1804-1805, lived in the Pitot House on Bayou St. John, an excellent example of French Colonial architecture, which is today open for tours .

Turn right after Pitot’s tomb.

Go straight ahead through a narrow spot between 2 tombs. When you come out from between these two tombs, there will be a large leaning tomb ahead on your right. Turn right to walk in front of this leaning tomb so that it is now on your left. Notice that you’re walking by the veteran’s marker of Guy Soniat, who served in WW1 and WW2.

Marker for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)

Straight ahead and a little to your right, there is a red brick tomb. Go closer and you will see it has a DAR marker on it. DAR stands for Daughters of the American Revolution. If you know your Louisiana history, you know that during the American Revolution Louisiana was not part of the United States. We were a Spanish colony. However, the Louisiana Militia under General Bernardo Galvez fought off the British at Manchac, Baton Rouge, and Pensacola, thereby aiding the American fight for independence. So the men of the Louisiana Militia, mostly Frenchmen fighting for Spain, are considered American Revolutionary soldiers and their descendants are eligible to be members of the DAR. When the DAR finds the tombs of the soldiers of the Louisiana Militia, they affix these markers on them. A very large statue of General Galvez stands at the foot of Canal Street near the Canal Street ferry landing.

Major Daniel Carmick, Leatherneck

Carmick tomb, gathering place for Leathernecks

Facing the brick tomb with the DAR marker, turn left. Keep walking in this direction. Ahead on your right is the large fenced tomb of Maj. Daniel Carmick . Carmick, one of the very first U.S. Marines, is sometimes credited with helping to establish the term “leatherneck” for a marine due to the fact that he wore his protective leather collar constantly. He was wounded by a rocket during a skirmish leading up to the Battle of New Orleans. Perhaps knowing that his time on earth was drawing to a close, he married Margaret Cowperthwait six weeks after the battle, soon had a daughter, and died almost two years after receiving his wounds. It is believed that he died of his wounds. Had he not died, he probably would have been promoted to commandant of the marines. When he died, he was the second-ranking Marine in the Corps.  Marines frequently gather at his tomb for ceremonies and memorials.

Turn away from Carmick’s tomb and go straight ahead of you, toward a large white tomb. Go around to the back of that tomb. You are now in the last aisle. Turn right. The wall vaults will be on your left. Continue in this direction.

Lanusse-Macarty tomb, showing off a great bargain on ironwork

On your right you will see a big gated tomb. This is the final resting place of the Lanusse-McCarty fami ly . This family’s history is scattered throughout Louisiana history and research into their obituaries reveals that although the members of the family usually moved away and died in other parts of the country, they were always brought back home and laid to rest in this magnificent family tomb. This is one of the advantages to our method of interment: families usually return to the family tomb, all together again.

humble tomb of JNB dePouilly

Continue up the aisle and turn right at the end, walking along the row of wall vaults toward the entrance. In the row of wall vaults you will see a wide shelf across two vaults, directly across from an empty space.  Here lies J.N.B. dePouilly , probably the most famous of all New Orleans’ architects. His most famous works are the façade of St. Louis Cathedral and St. Augustine Church, but his legacy and remarkable artistry is most seen in the cemeteries of New Orleans. He built the Orleans battalion of Artillery tomb and the French Society tomb in St. Louis #1, the Cazadores tomb in this cemetery, and the Caballero, Bouligny, and Duplantier-Peniston tombs which you will see in the next square. But the man himself is interred in this humble wall vault. The last sketch in his notebook was for a grand tomb for himself and his family, but he died before he could build it.

Walk to the place where you entered the cemetery, cross the street and enter the next square.

(SQUARE 2)- This square contains some of the grander tombs in the cemetery, including several built by J.N.B. de Pouilly.

Begin by walking up the center aisle. Notice the statue of the woman on theLaLande de  Ferriere tomb on your left. Mourning girls and women are common funerary symbols. One rarely sees images of mourning men in cemeteries. This statue was once holding onto a large cross.

When you reach the wide main aisle, turn right. There are two large columned tombs on your right. The first one is the Duplantier-Peniston tomb, which as you see on the plaque, was designed by  JNB dePouilly, whose humble wall vault we saw in square 1. The next one is the Miltenberger tomb.  Take a quick detour by walking between these two tombs to see the resting place of Ernie K-Doe. Just marking the row on your right, there will be an empty space, then the fourth tomb is Ernie K-Doe’s.

Retrace your steps out of this aisle, and back to the aisle you were in before the detour. Turn right.

Straight ahead of you is the beautiful Barelli Tomb.

Barelli tomb, depicting steamboat explosion.

Joseph Albino Barelli, Jr. was the son of a prominent merchant who was also the president of the Italian Mutual Benevolent Society. In 1849, when Joseph Jr. was 18, his family escorted him to the dock to wave goodbye as he boarded the steamboat Louisiana for a trip to St. Louis. As the ship was still preparing to depart, there was an explosion in the boiler room, the ship exploded, killing 150 and wounding hundreds more. Young Joseph Barelli was among the dead. His father was heartbroken and commissioned this beautiful tomb. Five angels adorn the top and the scene in the front is of the Louisiana explosion, from which young Joseph, already shrouded in his Heavenly attire, rises, escorted by an angel, into a Heaven filled with cherubs and the eye of God. The tomb-builder, Pietro Gualdi, would later design the elaborate Italian Benevolent Society tomb in St. Louis #1.

Danny and Blue Lu Barker

Go around Barelli (face the overpass) and look to your left. Walk to the Paul Babarin tomb .  Here lies Paul and Onelia Babarin, Danny Barker and his wife, Louisa “Blue Lu” Barker. Paul Babarin was a noted jazz drummer and marching band leader who died while marching in the Krewe of Proteus Mardi Gras parade in 1969. Danny was Paul Babarin’s nephew. Danny and Blue Lu, both from New Orleans, were accomplished musicians and jazz historians. Blue Lu was famous for her risqué hits such as “Leave my man alone” and “ Don’t you feel my leg ,” and she and Danny played with Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Jellyroll Morton, and Lena Horne. The Barkers lived in New York for 35 years, but returned to New Orleans in 1965 and set about reviving and preserving New Orleans brass band traditions. Babarin and both Barkers were laid to rest with the traditional jazz funerals that they perhaps saved from extinction.

Keep going past Babarin to see tombs in good and bad condition, some restored and some forgotten.

Newly-enlisted Yeomen (f) in New Orleans, 1916

Notice on your left the Dufilho family tomb, and the veteran’s marker for Ida Mary Grosch DuFilho , yeoman (f). Ida Difilho was 49 and a widow with three children when, in 1916, the U.S. Navy first started allowing women to enlist. She quickly came to the aid of her country during World War I and was given a veterans’ marker when she died in 1936.

On your right (almost to the end) is a tomb with 2 urns. This is the tomb of Pierre Soule’.

At the end of this aisle, turn left. Keep going, cross the main aisle, and turn left at the white Boissiere tomb.  Ahead of you a little to the right is the large Young Men of Liberty society tomb. You will turn left, and then right. You are now walking in a grassy aisle with a tall grey monument ahead of you. Walk toward the monument.

Upside-down torch on Zenon tomb

You will see the white tomb of J. B. Zenon Cavaleir on your left with the upside-down torches. An upside-down torch is another symbol of the end of life, because when a burning torch is turned upside-down, the fire is extinguished.

Memorial for a hero

Further along, notice the wide Tuyes family tomb on your right. Donald Glenn Tuyes was killed in Vietnam one month after his 21 st birthday. The PH after Vietnam means that he received the Purple Heart medal for dying in combat.

When you get to the grey monument, step around to the front of it. Time has worn down the engraving, but you can probably make out that this is the tomb of Judge Francois Xavier Martin .

Judge Francois Xavier martin

Caballero tomb designed by JNB dePouilly

Keep going away from the center aisle (Apartment buildings in front, overpass behind)

Pass the Cabalerro and Bouligny tombs (both built by J.N.B dePouilly) on your right.

On your left you will see the Blache(across from Bouligny) and the Plauche’ tombs. Go between them to the big grey monument. This is the tomb of Alexander Milne.

Alexander Milne had his will inscribed on his tomb.

Alexander Milne was born in Scotland and came to New Orleans during the Spanish Colonial period. He was given huge tracts of land near Lake Pontchartrain, and, presumably liking it out there, continued to buy up more land in the area and set up brick foundries and hardware stores. He made quite a fortune, especially when two devastating fires in 1788 and 1794 forced the Spanish crown to forbid the building of wooden houses in town. Suddenly, the brick business was booming! The area became known as Milneburg. When he died at the age of 97, Milne, who had no children of his own, bequeathed his fortune to build two orphan asylums (one for boys and one for girls). Fearing that his final wishes would be disputed, he had the sections of his will pertaining to the orphan asylums engraved on his tomb before he died.

Turn away from Milne. Walk toward a crooked tomb. When you are standing right in front of this crooked tomb, turn left between the backs of two tombs. When you emerge on a grassy aisle, turn right. Go to the center aisle and turn left.

There will be an orange tomb on your right. Keep going till you see the lower-than-average tomb on your left that reads Dominique You.

Tomb of a pirate

Dominique You was a pirate and a patriot, as evidenced by the War of 1812 Service marker. Born in France and having served in the French Revolution and the slave revolt in Haiti, You came to New Orleans and fell in with the Baratarians, a group of pirates led by Pierre and Jean Lafitte who practically ruled the town through organized crime. When the U.S. Navy raided the Baratarians stronghold in 1814, You was arrested. Jean Lafitte, who managed to escape capture, was hiding out on Grand Isle when he was approached by the British. This was during the War of 1812 and the Brits wanted the pirate to use his knowledge of the secret waterways around the city to help them plan a surprise attack on New Orleans. The wily Jean Lafitte showed the British offer to the Americans and offered to help the U.S. in exchange for the release of his men. The pirates were released, helped the Americans, and, after the victory, were given amnesty for all their crimes. Some of the pirates returned to their smuggling ways, but Dominique You stayed in New Orleans, became sort of a local celebrity, was sought after for his pirate stories, served as a city alderman, and was even involved in a plot to rescue Napoleon from exile on St. Helena. When he died in 1830, penniless but beloved, he was given a full military funeral, paid for by the City Council of New Orleans.

Note the tomb to the right of You’s tomb (Reynes) has a tablet on the side. When a closure tablet gets full of names, it is often moved to the side and a new tablet begun.

Facing Dominique You, turn right and continue out to the last square.

(SQUARE 3) Although the cemetery is not officially segregated, Square 3 was thought of as the “black square” and therefore has some of the most important people of color in our city.

Enter and go left.

We love the palm tree growing in the large society tomb ahead.

Andre Cailloux was born into slavery, learned the cigar-making trade, and purchased himself out of slavery with the money he earned making cigars. He married, taught himself to read French and English, and opened a modestly successful cigar shop. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Cailloux joined the Confederate Army. The black Confederate troops, comprised completely of free men of color (not enslaved men) were not sent into combat and when the Union Army occupied New Orleans in April 1862, the 1 st Louisiana Native Guard of the Confederacy was disbanded. Five months later, when Union General Benjamin Butler called for black men to form a Louisiana regiment of b lack soldiers, Cailloux was one of the first to enlist and was given the rank of captain. At first called the 1 st Louisiana Native Guard, the corps soon became known as the Corps d’Afrique . As recently- freed men flocked to the city, a second and a third regiment was added. The 2 nd and 3 rd regiments had white commanders, but Andre Cailloux, who liked to say he was the “blackest man in New Orleans,” remained in charge of his regiment. His regiment was deployed at the Seige of Port Hudson under General Nathaniel Banks. The Union ultimately won the battle and wrested control of the Mississippi from the Confederates, but it was a 48-day siege. Cailloux was killed on the fifth day, bravely charging ahead and calling out encouragement to his men in French and in English. Although the Confederates allowed a brief truce so the Union could collect their dead, they did not allow for the collection of the fallen soldiers of the Corps d’Afrique . Andre Cailloux’s body lay on the battlefield, decomposing in the Louisiana summer sun, for 47 days. When his remains were collected, he was identified by his ring. Thousands of people attended his full military funeral, and the mass was said by an abolitionist priest. The following year, an American flag stained with the hero’s blood draped the podium of Fredrick Douglass at the National Negro Convention.

Funeral procession of Andre Cailloux

Candy at the Glapion tomb

In the alcove behind the Native Guards tomb is a wall vault bearing the name Glapion .  A.C and Emma Glapion are most likely Alexis Celestin Glapion and his wife Emma Vickner Glapion. If so, A.C is the grandson of famed voodoo queen Marie Laveau, who rests in St. Louis Cemetery #1 a few blocks away. People often leave candy for the queen’s grandson on the shelf or in the empty chamber under the Glapion family vault.

Turn right and keep walking along the wall of vaults. You will go all the way to the end of this aisle without any tomb stops, but there are several tombs in a beautiful state of decay as well as poignant inscriptions. You will get some great pictures here.

Ici Reposent (Here lie) Rosalie and Desiree

Turn right at the end of the aisle. Now, there will be another wall of vaults on your left. There are two important vaults in this wall, and they are right next to each other. They are the Wishing Vault and the Jordan Noble vault.

Wishing vault and Jordan tomb

The so-called Wishing Vault is believed by some to be the “secret” resting place of Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans who died in 1881. We believe that she is in her family tomb in St. Louis #1, where we give daily tours . The Archdiocese of New Orleans has no record of who is in this vault, only a notation that “this vault is full.” People leave offerings of flowers, candy, candles, pictures, fruit, and money here. The three Xs are common on voodoo tombs, and, according to the oldest traditions, must be made with a cemetery brick. The tradition, like the Voodoo religion itself, is a combination of Catholicism and African (Yoruban) spiritual practices. The X, or any crossed lines, represent the intersection between the physical and spiritual worlds, as we are always trying to communicate with the spirits, ancestors, and saints on “the other side.” Three of them represent the Holy trinity in the Catholic faith – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- which, to Catholics, is the upper echelon of that unseen world.

“Old Jordan” Noble

The vault next to it is the burial chamber of Jordan Noble , the drummer-boy at the Battle of New Orleans. He was born into slavery, and it is unclear if he was still enslaved when he beat the drum in the battle, but the drum was the primary form of communication across a loud, confusing, smoke-filled battlefield. The beats of the drum conveyed the orders of the commander (Andrew Jackson) to his troops, and everyone who was at the battle attested to the 14-year-old’s precise handling of the drum. After the battle, Noble was a part of every celebration, was given numerous honors, and was well-known and much loved in New Orleans. In his 60s, he beat the drum to call black men to serve in the Native Guards (first for the Confederacy then for the Union), and in his 80s, gave popular drumming demonstrations at the World’s Fair. One of Jordan Noble’s drums was on display at the Louisiana State Museum’s exhibit celebrating the bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans in 2015.

Continue walking in the direction of the overpass.

Note several ladies society tombs on your right. These societies provided ways for members to help each other in life and a proper burial after death.

Turn right in the center aisle. Keep going until you see a large tomb on the right that has a large metal tablet on its side. On the tablet are dozens of names. This is the tomb of Mother Henriette DeLille.

Mother Henriette DeLille

Continue past the tomb of Mother Henriette DeLille until, almost to the end, you see a tall skinny white “Ladies Olive Branch” tomb on your left. In this tomb lies the body of Oscar Dunn.

Backtrack a bit from the Dunn tomb, on the other side of the aisle, go between Ward and Land Family tomb and the Ladies St. Ignace no. 3 society tomb.

In the next aisle you will see a very large brick society tomb on your left. Go between it and the Nolasco-Moss tomb.

Make a right in the next true aisle (not between the backs of tombs). Count three tombs, then an empty space, then the Chase Family tomb .

Dooky Chase. II

Leah Chase was also the inspiration for Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog . For more about Dooky Chase’s Restaurant CLICK HERE

To the left of the Chase tomb is the tomb of Advocates for Canonization of Henriette DeLille. This is one of numerous organizations who work toward the goal of having Mother Henriette officially declared a Catholic saint.

While facing these, turn left. Make your next right, then turn right in the center aisle and make your way out of the cemetery.

You did it! It really is quite a journey through New Orleans history!

Thank you for taking our self-guided tour of St. Louis Cemetery #2. We at Lucky Bean Tours hope that you continue to explore the rich culture and history of New Orleans. Please contact us if you have any questions about New Orleans, or leave a Google review and tell us what you thought about the tour.

Libby Bollino

Lucky Bean Tours

• New Orleans

• Andre Cailloux
• Black History
• Blue Lu Barker
• Danny Barker
• Dominique You
• Dooky Chase
• ghost stories of New Orleans
• Henriette DeLille
• JNB dePouilly
• Louisiana history
• Louisiana Native Guards
• New Orleans Black History
• New Orleans cemeteries
• New Orleans history
• Pierre Soule
• Self Guided cemetery tour
• Self guided tours New Orleans
• St Louis Cemetery New Orleans
• St. Louis Cemetery #2
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Wealth of Geeks

13 Cheap Ways To Have Fun In New Orleans

Posted: March 26, 2024 | Last updated: March 26, 2024

New Orleans is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It’s only natural that you’ll want to maximize your fun without breaking your wallet. The city’s Creole and Cajun cuisine is a culinary adventure, and you can sample it without emptying your wallet. 

With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique cuisine, New Orleans offers visitors a treasure trove of experiences. When I travel, sometimes spending money on airfare and hotels can substantially impact other elements of your trip — like tours, activities, and even how long you stay in a place — so I like finding free or low-cost things to do to balance my vacation budget.

1. Garden District: A Walk Among Mansions

The Garden District is an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, with its historic mansions and distinct architectural charm. Some properties here also house museums and are open to the public for a small fee.

You’ll find properties used in filming, Anne Rice’s old house, and the very charming Rink Shopping Center. The area was settled in the early to mid 19th century after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 saw wealthy Americans wanting to settle there.

2. City Park: A Natural Gem

City Park is one of New Orleans’ crown jewels. This sprawling urban park—50% larger than New York’s Central Park—has lush gardens, serene walking trails, boating on the lake, bike rental, and one of the oldest tree groves with live oaks. There’s also the serenity of the Singing Tree, which many people love to sit or lay beneath and listen to the magical wind chimes.

The iconic Cafe Du Monde and other eateries are in the park, along with the New Orleans Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum. While some of these attractions within the park may have entrance fees, exploring the park itself is free.

3. French Quarter: A Historic Stroll

The French Quarter—also known by its French name, The Vieux Carre—is the absolute highlight of any trip to the Big Easy. The architecture is protected, so you’ll find charming historic galleys, gaslights, and buildings, just like traveling through time. Visit historic Jackson Square, check out the work of local artists, and take in some street performances. You can also visit the iconic St. Louis Cathedral.

You’ll also find the historic seat of Spanish rule in the city, the Cabildo, which is now a museum where you can learn about the city’s past. Entry is only $10 per adult and even less for children, seniors, and active military members.

4. Street Music: A Symphony of Sounds

New Orleans is renowned for its street music scene. You can meander through the French Quarter and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere created by talented street musicians.

While they may pop up in random locations, your most likely spots include in front of Cafe Du Monde on Decatur Street —where you can also grab three beignets and cafe au lait for around $8— and on the corner of Royal and St. Peter Streets in front of Rouse’s Grocery and near the French Market on Decatur. 

5. Mardi Gras World: A Glimpse Into Carnival

While Mardi Gras World does have an admission fee of $22 for adults and $14 for children , it’s one of the unique things to do in New Orleans where you can marvel at the grandeur of Mardi Gras floats and costumes without having to come during the very crowded and expensive time of Mardi Gras in February.

There are discounts for the military, students, and seniors. 

6. Frenchmen Street: Music for the Soul

When I first came to New Orleans over five years ago, I stayed in the Marigny district and walked down to Frenchmen Street. I immediately fell in love when a random brass band started playing on the corner, and people began dancing in the streets in the middle of the afternoon.

Even if you have a different experience, many jazz clubs here can be enjoyed by purchasing a drink. 

7. Cemetery Tours: A Walk Through History

New Orleans, founded in 1718 by the French, faced burial challenges due to periodic flooding. They buried residents on the levee, but rising waters would expose bodies and caskets. As a result, these structures are mainly above-ground tombs, family tombs, civic association tombs, and wall vaults. They often follow neo-classical design principles and are arranged in orderly patterns, resembling city streets.

While the popular tourist attraction St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is now only accessible by a $25 guided tour , others, such as Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District, are free to explore.

8. St. Charles Avenue Streetcar: A Historic Ride

Hop on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar , one of the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar lines since 1835. It’s an affordable way to see the city and appreciate its historic charm.

It’s only $1.25 for adults to ride and $0.50 for children — you’ll need exact change if you’re paying in cash. You can also buy credit and use the RTA public transport app. This streetcar will take you to the majestic Garden District. 

9. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: Musical Education

Experience the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park , where admission is entirely free. Stop by the visitor center at 419 Decatur Street to engage in a ranger talk, participate in a vibrant drum circle, relish a jazz concert, and get insights into upcoming musical events around the city.

This is an excellent introduction to the music and culture of the Crescent City. 

10. Riverfront: A Scenic Riverside Walk

The Riverfront offers amazing views of the mighty Mississippi and historic paddle steamers, and you might find free performances in nearby Woldenberg Park.

The park provides a riverside jogging path and art installations and often hosts impromptu musical events and festivals. Its prime location makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and escape. 

11. Audubon Park: Picnic Park

Audubon Park has been a cherished destination for over a century in historic uptown New Orleans. It offers a tranquil 1.8-mile jogging path, a picturesque lagoon, picnic spots, and play areas beneath ancient live oak trees.

The park is open to the public and features amenities like tennis courts, riding stables, soccer fields, a pool, the Audubon Clubhouse Café, and the Audubon Golf Club, making it a versatile urban oasis for an impromptu picnic.

12. Free Tours by Foot: A Learning Adventure

Free Tours by Foot is an organization that allows you to pay tour guides via tipping in a “pay what you feel” system. These types of tours can be found worldwide, and I’ve had some of the best tour guides and learned some amazing things about the locations I’ve been to.

New Orleans is no different—the tour company offers French Quarter Tours, Ghost Tours, Garden District Tours, and Voodoo Tours. Check out the Free Tours By Foot website for more information. 

13. Louis Armstrong Park

On the outskirts of the French Quarter along North Rampart Street, you’ll find the iconic arches proclaiming Louis Armstrong Park. The park often features music events and also features the historic site of Congo Square. Many claim that jazz music started here as enslaved people would gather in the square every Sunday with music and dance in the 1800s.

There are also duck ponds, sculptures, and plenty of spaces to relax and do some people-watching. 

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