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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / History

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

A historic Garden District landmark, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is a non-denominational burial ground known for its iconic aboveground tombs and its role as the final resting place for over 7,000 people.

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Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
www.lafayettecemeteryno1.org, og_image_www.lafayettecemeteryno1.org

Is Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 open to the public?

No, the cemetery is currently closed to the public due to repairs, routine maintenance, and because the city has declared it an unsafe environment for general visitation.

Can I visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 if I have a family member buried there?

Yes, family members of those interred in the cemetery may make an appointment to visit by calling (504) 658-3781.

What is Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 known for?

It is one of New Orleans's oldest municipal cemeteries and is known for its beautiful aboveground tombs designed to withstand frequent storms. It is the final resting place for over 7,000 people from over 25 different countries, including civil rights activist Homer Plessy.

Where is Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 located?

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is located at 1400 Washington Avenue in the Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, located at 1400 Washington Avenue in the Garden District, stands as the oldest of the municipal city cemeteries in New Orleans. Established in 1833, the site was designed to be non-denominational and non-segregated, serving as a final resting place for individuals from over 25 different countries. The cemetery is architecturally significant for its aboveground tombs, which were specifically engineered to withstand the frequent storms common to the region. Among the upwards of 7,000 people interred here is Homer Plessy, the civil rights activist and plaintiff in the landmark US Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson. The site has gained international recognition for its beauty and historical weight, with Forbes once naming it one of America’s Best Cemeteries. Since September 9, 2019, the City of New Orleans has kept the cemetery closed to the general public due to needed repairs and routine maintenance. The city has declared the environment unsafe for general visitation, and all tombs and graves are considered private property where trespassing is strictly prohibited. Currently, access is restricted to permitted workers and family members of those interred. Families may arrange visitation or burials by contacting the cemetery office, which operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitor tips

  • Since the cemetery is closed to the general public, plan to view the architecture from the sidewalk.
  • Family members of the interred can make appointments for entry by calling (504) 658-3781.
  • If you are interested in guided cemetery experiences, check the Save Our Cemeteries organization for available tours at other sites.

Nearby context

Situated in the heart of the Garden District, this cemetery is surrounded by some of the most opulent historic mansions in New Orleans, blending the city's celebration of life and death in one neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links