St Louis Cemetery #1 in New Orleans

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

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. As a result access to the cemetery is restricted to people led by a licensed guide and to relatives of the deceased. This policy will hopefully prevent 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.

This is what Maria Laveau’s tomb used to look like. People still try to mark it up!

David G. Hedges, the man behind Nola Tour Guy is originally from Chicago but considers New Orleans his true home. Nola Tour Guy offers a free tour of St Louis cemetery #3 so everyone can get a chance to see this important historical site for a price they can afford. Another major free walking tour company (based in New Jersey)  promises a free walking tour of this cemetery but forces you to pay upfront. David’s passion for history, the city and his dedication to offer a truly unique experience to each one of his customers makes him the perfect companion for exploring New Orleans. The tours offered by Nola Tour Guy will not lure you with the promises to go “ghost” or “vampire” hunting. David doesn’t aim at the sensational or giving you some cheap thrills. Here’s a truly dedicated and passionate person who wants to show you the many reasons why New Orleans is such an intriguing and delightful place, you will be able to see history unfold in front of your eyes as you walk through the labyrinth of tombs in St Louis No.1 Cemetery

The tours are free to join, Free walking tours are a great way for tourists to get acquainted with local history and a great way to support the maintenance of the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. Mentioned in a recent article in Fromers, along with the LA times and the Guardian, the Nola Tour Guy is a someone you should consider if you want to immerse yourself in the true history of the great city of New Orleans. Book your free tour today!