Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 Audio Guide

Lafayette Cemetery Number One: what does the audio guide cover?

1. 01

   Welcome to Lafayette Cemetery Number One

   Welcome to one of the most hauntingly beautiful corners of New Orleans. You are standing before Lafayette Cemetery Number One, a historic landmark located in the heart of the lush Garden District. Originally established in 1833, this site was the first planned cemetery in the city and reflects a crucial era of growth when the former suburb of Lafayette was a thriving independent town before being annexed into New Orleans. As you look through the decorative iron gates, you will see what locals call a City of the Dead—a nickname first popularized by the writer Mark Twain. This single city block serves as the final resting place for approximately 7,000 people, all housed within roughly 1,100 above-ground family tombs and wall vaults. As your guide, I will take you beyond the surface of these crumbling white structures to uncover the science, the society, and the cinematic secrets that make this place a treasure of the American South.

2. 02

   The Engineering of the Afterlife

   You might wonder why New Orleans is famous for these ornate above-ground tombs instead of traditional six-foot-under burials. While popular legend suggests it was purely to stop coffins from floating away in the high water table of this swamp-based city, the truth is a bit more nuanced. While the soggy ground certainly made deep digging difficult, these tombs were also a cultural choice, brought to Louisiana by French and Spanish settlers who preferred Mediterranean-style vaults. These structures actually function like biological ovens. On a hot Louisiana afternoon, the temperature inside a stone tomb can rise enough to naturally cremate remains in about a year and a day. This practical, albeit macabre, technique allows multiple family members to share the same small space over centuries. One practical tip for your visit: the cemetery is currently undergoing extensive walkway repairs to improve accessibility and safety, so you may find the interior gates closed to the public. However, you can still see many of the most famous tombs quite clearly from the sidewalk along Washington Avenue.

3. 03

   A Community for Eternity

   Lafayette Cemetery Number One is unique because, unlike many cemeteries of the nineteenth century, it was never segregated by religion or race; it was and remains a municipal cemetery open to all. This inclusivity created a fascinating microcosm of New Orleans society. Keep an eye out for the large Society Tombs—these were communal vaults built by social groups, benevolent societies, and even fire companies. A standout is the tomb of the Jefferson Fire Company 22, which you can recognize by the ornate fire pump carved into the top. There are also poignant sites like the Society for the Relief of Destitute Orphan Boys tomb. These shared spaces allowed people who lived together in the neighborhood to rest together in death, reflecting a deep sense of community that persists in the Garden District today. It is truly a place where history is written on the walls, from the burial sites of yellow fever victims to major figures from the American Civil War.

4. 04

   Hollywood’s Favorite Backdrop

   If these white stone avenues look familiar, it might be because you have seen them on the big screen. Lafayette Cemetery Number One is the most filmed graveyard in New Orleans. It famously appeared in the movie Double Jeopardy and the television series The Originals. Literary fans often flock here because it was a major inspiration for author Anne Rice, who lived just a few blocks away. The metal Karstendiek tomb famously served as the model for the vampire Lestat’s final resting place in the film adaptation of Interview with the Vampire. Even music history has a footprint here; the New Kids on the Block filmed their Right Stuff music video among these very vaults. As you walk the perimeter, notice how the live oak trees and creeping ferns create a natural gothic atmosphere that seems designed for a movie set. It is this specific blend of decay and beauty that captures the imagination of storytellers from around the world.

5. 05

   Endless Stories in Stone

   As you finish your walk around this historic block, take a moment to look across Washington Avenue at the legendary Commander’s Palace restaurant. The proximity of such a vibrant temple of dining to such a silent City of the Dead perfectly captures the New Orleans spirit: a celebration of life that never ignores the presence of the past. The ongoing restoration work being done by the City and organizations like Save Our Cemeteries ensures that these crumbling stones will continue to tell their stories for another 200 years. Even if you cannot step inside today, the view from the fence offers a deep look into the soul of the Garden District. I encourage you to keep exploring the neighborhood, perhaps spotting the homes of the figures whose names you have just read on the marble tablets. There is always another layer to discover in a city that dances so closely with its ghosts.