The Voodoo culture of New Orleans has fascinated its visitors for centuries. And for most of them, the St. Louis Cemetery is not to be missed. There are three Saint Louis Cemeteries in New Orleans, all of which were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries under the Roman Catholic Church. Saint Louis No. 1 is perhaps the most famous of all three sites. In the space of just one square block, 100,00 are buried among crumbling cobblestones and eerie statues. One of the most legendary inhabitants of the above-ground vaults is the Voodoo Priestess by the name of Marie Laveau. Most who have visited Saint Louis No. 1 agree that there is something fascinating - and utterly eerie - about this site.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest cemetery in New Orleans, and continues to be used each year as a burial site. Many prominent Creole families have been buried here. The fact that most of New Orleans lies below sea level made higher grounds a precious commodity. To save these spaces for the living, the cemetery was built upon swampy grounds along St. Louis Street.
Early burials were not treated with the same care that they are today, which caused something of a tomb maze to develop. As demand for more space increased, tombs were eventually stacked on top of original sites, which has created the above-ground vaults so common around the city.
The present site of St. Louis No. 1 is smaller than its original size. A second location, known as St. Louis No. 2, was consecrated in 1823. This newer location housed more of the ornate graves. By the end of the 1800s, St. Louis No. 1 was largely surrounded by a residential area known as "Storyville."
Of the hundreds of thousands resting in St. Louis No. 1, by far one of the most notable is that of Marie Laveau. This priestess was born free in the French Quarter. Her career began as a hairdresser to the city's wealthiest people. Some say that it was through this network of prominent individuals that she was able to gather useful information. As her practice evolved, she incorporated elements of both African and Roman Catholic religions. Her Voodoo practice gained a huge following from those from all walks of life. While she was known for conjuring up evil spells, she also had a reputation as a healer.
After she passed away, Marie Laveau's daughter (who bore the same name) carried on the practice. The Voodoo Priestess was placed in an unmarked tomb away from her family's vault. Authorities were concerned that her followers would turn the cemetery into a shrine for her. The plaque, photographed above, is placed upon a tomb where Marie is believed to reside.
There have been several reports of paranormal activity on the grounds of this historical cemetery. Many consider it among the most haunted in the entire country. The spirits have been identified as those whose graves were not properly identified or honored. Even in the light of day, the cemetery looks spooky. The old cobblestones weathered by humidity and the Mississippi River mark eerie alleyways through the grave sites.
Marie Laveau's ghost might even be seen wandering the streets of the French Quarter. She's been spotted wearing a red and white headscarf and brightly colored clothes. But before anyone ever gets too close, this vision of her will vanish into thin air. She's not necessarily a friendly spirit, and those wandering St. Louis No. 1 at night have reported being pinched and even shoved down to the ground.
Whether or not you believe in the haunted nature of St. Louis No. 1, it's a fascinating place to learn about and visit. For those in the area, there are guided tours with extensive information about Marie Laveau and others buried in the cemetery.
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