French Quarter in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Photographed By R. E. Smith, March 1, 2008

1. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Marker

Inscription. The oldest extant cemetery in New Orleans. Established by Royal Spanish land grant August 14, 1789. Originally outside city limits and double its present size this sacred ground reflects the early culture and history of the Crescent City. A small area in the rear was once part of a larger section for Protestant burials. The Varney tomb to right was once center of cemetery.

Erected 1972 by New Orleans Archdiocesan Cemeteries.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1789.

Location. 29° 57.548′ N, 90° 4.264′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in the French Quarter. Marker can be reached from Basin Street. Marker is inside the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Orleans LA 70112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Oven" Vaults (here, next to this marker); Marie Laveau (a few steps from this marker); Multiple Burials (within shouting distance of this marker); Italian Mutual Benevolent Society Tomb (within shouting distance of this marker); Orleans Battalion of Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Closures – Grillwork

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Du Iberville Housing Development à Bienville Basin (within shouting distance of this marker); Les Immeubles Dans Storyville (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.

<i>Old St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans, La. - 15</i> image. Click for full size.

Postcard by E.C. Cropp Co., circa 1925

2. Old St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans, La. - 15

The back of the postcard reads:The most interesting of New Orleans historic burial places, the St Louis Cemetery No. 1 - there are three - has been in use for 175 years, with some of the inscriptions decipherable dated 1800. Here lie the bodies of Paul Morphy, the famous chess player; Gayarre, the historian; Etienne de Bore, who first made granulated sugar; Charles La Salle, brother of the famous explorer.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,849 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 11, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 2. submitted on February 22, 2015. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.