The Strange Louisiana Cemetery That's Truly Like No Other In The United States
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Kezia Kamenetz
Author
One of the most interesting sites in Vernon Parish includes the Talbert-Pierson Cemetery, which is found on Talbert Cemetery Road between Sugartown and Pitkin. At this unique site, visitors can explore the unique grave shelters that were built in the 1860s and 1870s by the first pioneers to settle this area.
As the sign explains, the origin of these unique grave houses is still unknown.
Its proximity to the border between the then Spanish territory of Texas and the Louisiana territory recently purchased by the Americans made the area disputed and attractive to runaway slaves, military deserters, and criminals.
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The houses are generally the size of a child's playhouse and were built from hand-cut pickets.
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They just don't build things like they used to!
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One suggests that they simply kept the graves from being attacked by the elements or animals in the area.
There is evidence that these grave houses have roots in Native American and European culture. Some even report seeing cowrie shells left here, a common token left at graves in West African tribes.
Why do you think they built graves like these?
You'll get a sense of the culture that dominated this area for many decades.
Have you ever visited this unique cemetery? What was your favorite aspect of this place? Do you know any more details about the origin of these grave sites? Let us know. We love to hear from you!
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