St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 – Haunted Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the most famous and haunted burial grounds in the United States. Established in 1789, it serves as the final resting place for thousands, including some of New Orleans’ most notorious figures. The cemetery’s above-ground tombs, eerie pathways, and centuries-old legends have made it a hotspot for paranormal activity, drawing ghost hunters and thrill-seekers from around the world.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1789
• Original Purpose: Cemetery for New Orleans’ elite and commoners alike
• Significant Events:
  • The cemetery was built to accommodate the growing population and replace the older St. Peter Cemetery.
  • Over the centuries, devastating diseases like yellow fever and violent duels filled its tombs.
  • The most famous grave belongs to Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, whose spirit is said to linger among the mausoleums.

Paranormal Activity Summary

• Visitors report ghostly apparitions, shadowy figures darting between tombs, and whispers in the dead of night.
• Cold spots and sudden drops in temperature are common, even on the hottest Louisiana days.
• The most well-known spectral presence is Marie Laveau, believed to answer prayers or curses whispered at her tomb.
• Other entities include wandering spirits of the forgotten dead and an aggressive male apparition known for pushing visitors.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• Marie Laveau’s Spirit: People claim to see a woman in a red and white turban walking between the graves before disappearing. Some say that marking three X’s on her tomb and making a wish will grant favors—though defacing her grave is now illegal.
• The Ghostly Whisperer: Tourists have reported hearing faint whispers calling their names or murmuring in French, only to turn around and find no one there.
• The Vengeful Spirit: A tall, dark shadow often appears near the back of the cemetery. Those who encounter it have reported sudden dizziness, nausea, or even being scratched.
• Phantom Footsteps & Sounds: Heavy footsteps echo in empty corridors, and distant crying has been heard at night.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

• Marie Laveau’s Tomb is considered the most haunted part of the cemetery. Visitors who disrespect the site have reported nightmares, bad luck, and eerie encounters afterward.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes, but only with a licensed tour guide
• Entry Fee: Varies by tour company
• Tour Availability: Guided ghost and historical tours available daily
• Photography Allowed? Yes, but some areas are restricted
• Visiting Hours: Typically 9 AM – 3 PM (hours may vary)

Best Time to Visit

• Dusk tours are the most atmospheric, though the cemetery officially closes before sunset. Halloween season is especially eerie, as legends say spirits are most active then.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

• St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 has been featured on Ghost Adventures, Most Terrifying Places in America, and The Dead Files.
• Paranormal teams have captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and unexplained shadow figures in photographs.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Trespassing is strictly prohibited after hours, and violators face hefty fines.
• Some paths are uneven and crumbling, so visitors should watch their step.
• Those who deface graves, particularly Marie Laveau’s, risk arrest and harsh penalties.

For those brave enough to walk its haunted paths, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 offers an unforgettable experience—where the line between the living and the dead is eerily thin.