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The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Known as the most haunted location in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, this cemetery offers haunts to those looking for eerie history and spooky stories. The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 dates back to 1789 and remains the oldest one standing in the city today. IT is famous for its unique construction of tombs and the notable characters that were buried there.

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Why is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Haunted?

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the oldest and most famous burial ground in New Orleans, is considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in America. Established in 1789, it is home to countless above-ground tombs and mausoleums, many of which house the remains of the city’s earliest residents. The most notable ghost is that of Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, whose tomb is often visited by those leaving offerings or seeking her blessings. The eerie atmosphere, coupled with centuries of lore, makes St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 a place where history and the supernatural converge.

St. Louis Cemetery
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Layout of the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 has Neo-classical architecture that gives the cemetery its distinct style. This cemetery is unlike any other. Visitors have been captivated by the vast array of tomb styles and narrow maze-like walkways for decades. With over 700 different tombs and 100,000 bodies buried at the site, there is plenty to look at.

\With the purchase of a guided tour ticket, you can be escorted through the cemetery and hear about the history of ghost sighting and paranormal happenings that have been known to occur there and learn the names of the famous dead.

There are no longer public viewings, likely due to the high amount of vandalism that had occurred, and you must now purchase a ticket and have a guided tour in order to see the inside of the cemetery. There are still family members buried there, and you can get a pass to see them so that you don’t have to purchase a ticket.

The rate of purchase for one of these burial plots is around $40,000. This may seem like a very steep price, but with a rich history, it isn’t unreasonable. With famous people from all around the world being buried in this sacred cemetery, you would also have some very special neighbors.

This cemetery is known as the most haunted location in New Orleans. Tons of recorded ghost sightings make it hard to dispute this title. People sneaking into the grounds at night have been spooked. Others who believe that they had a supernatural encounter with the dead. There are plenty of chances to come across an undead character or two at this cemetery.

Marie Laveau

One of the biggest reason people choose to visit the cemetery is to see the tomb of the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. Born in 1801 to a Creole mother and a white father, she grew up to be a magnificent and beautiful young woman. Not to mention a very popular hairdresser.

Laveau had learned many different natural and herbal remedies. The rich and famous of her time knew her as a great hairdresser, and for her voodoo practices.

She died in 1881, at the age of 80, and passed away while in her own home. A lavish funeral was held with many mourners. But after her passing, she was somehow seen about town. Some people even say that they still see her spirit today.

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It is said that if you see the tomb that you can still spot the three X’s. These are said to be left from those who need Laveau’s help. The legend says that if you must place an X on her tomb and turn around three times. Knock on the tomb and yell out your wish. Only then will she grant it. But be sure to place an offering at the foot of her tomb to give thanks.

Although she was known for her kindness in life, on the other side of the mortal coil, things may be a bit different. Those who have voiced their disbelief of her practices, have been reportedly pushed and thrown to the ground near her tomb. Others have sighted her walking around the cemetery before vanishing into thin air.

Henry Vignes

Another burial that is particularly interesting to visitors is the tomb, or lack thereof, of sailor Henry Vignes. The sailor had no home. He lived as a nomad until moving into a boarding house in New Orleans. Vignes kept important papers with him, including the deed to his family’s tombs. Naively, he asked the owner of the boarding house to keep the papers safe for him while he traveled.

While he was away, the owner sold the tombs and left Vignes with no family plot. He tried to fixing the issue once he got back, but he quickly became sick. He died shortly after. Because he had no family tomb, he was buried in an unmarked grave in the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Henry Vignes, although he was buried over a century ago, is still seen often. Visitors of the cemetery tell of a man with blue eyes that asks where the Vignes tomb is. Many people have reported speaking to this ghost themselves. He has also been caught on camera on numerous occasions and been recorded saying, “I need to rest!”

Alphonse

Another sighting that continues to cause visitors to be spooked is the haunting of Alphonse. The story of this man’s life is not well-known, so much of his history is unknown to history. However, his presence in the cemetery is prevalent and his apparition is seen often.

Visitors of the cemetery have reported having a man take their hand and ask them to bring him home. His ghost has also been seen walking around the cemetery, picking up flowers from others tombs and putting them carefully on his own. Many people believe this is a sign that he was not properly mourned. Perhaps his death wasn’t an accident and he steals flowers for his grave as a form of justice.

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The circumstances surrounding his death are unknoww. But, it is said that he was potentially murdered by a member of the Pinead family. When visitors step close to their family tomb, Alphonse appears and tells them to stay away. This incident has happened to several guests of the cemetery and made Alphonse a known supernatural presence to be expected when visiting the gravesites.

Haunted New Orleans

With the high number of typical ghost sightings, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to New Orleans to visit this haunted cemetery. From the Voodoo Queen to the lonely Alphonse, some ghosts are just looking for a home or a place to rest. Whether you are looking for a historical or paranormal experience by going to the St Louis Cemetery, you will likely get to see some uninvited guests.

With the few main hauntings that are regularly seen in this cemetery, there are many others that are not so common that have been reported. From the feeling of someone watching them, to the soft voice of someone standing behind them, visitors have been scaring themselves for decades at this haunted location. So, if you are looking for a place to find some supernatural activity, then you should straight to the epicenter.

New Orleans is epicenter of hauntings in America. If you are looking for the best way to experience them, then join us on a haunted history walking tour. In the meantime, keep reading our blog for more fascinating tales from the Crescent City.

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Sources:

https://the-line-up.com/st-louis-cemetery-1-ghosts

https://www.verylocal.com/the-ghosts-of-st-louis-cemetery-1/23411

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Laveau

Stories from St. Louis Cemetery: The City of the Dead

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