New Orleans: St Louis Cemetery no. 1

Right next to the visitor center on Basin lies St Louis Cemetery #1, the oldest in town. It opened in 1789 and is still in use, the last "entry" I saw was from November 2009... Apparently, the custom of making above ground tombs is partly a French/Spanish custom and partly a necessity due to the high water tables.

An interesting fact is that although the area spans only one city block, it contains in excess of 100,000 dead 'uns. Also, back in the day families used to pool together to afford a tomb like some of the ones pictured below - these pools were called a "societe". Some may still do for all I know. All pics here.

In New Orleans these cemeteries are known as cities of the dead, or Necropolises.




Some graves are well kept and still imposing.


Others are falling apart.


There's an internet rumor (solid evidence as far as I'm concerned!) that this white pyramid belongs to Nicholas Cage, who's booked room already. Let's hope this space doesn't go empty for long.


This cat came up to me and started meowing and purring. So I took some pics of it. Sorry folks, but a live cat beats dead people every time.


"...you put your right foot in, you put your right foot out..."


Licking his own asshole with a fervor and dedication we cannot possibly begin to understand. Or appreciate.