Why are bodies buried above ground in New Orleans?

New Orleans is at or below sea level, resulting in a high water table in the soil. If a body or coffin is placed in an in-ground tomb in New Orleans, there is risk of it being water-logged or even displaced from the ground. For this reason, the people of New Orleans have generally used above-ground tombs.

Do they still bury people above ground in New Orleans?

Even today in Metairie Cemetery, which is on high ground (by New Orleans standards), 90% of burials are above ground. However, in the Jewish section of Metairie Cemetery, most burials are ground burials, in keeping with cultural traditions.

Do they reuse graves in New Orleans?

New Orleans continues a unique cemetery tradition: unlimited burials in tombs and plots. Families have used the same tombs in many instances for more than 150 years.

How old is St Louis cemetery?

Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most famous. It was opened in 1789, replacing the city’s older St….Saint Louis No. 1.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Location	Bounded by Basin, St. Louis, Conti, and Treme Sts., New Orleans, Louisiana
Coordinates	29°57′33.83″N 90°4′17.42″W

Where is the St Louis Cemetery in New Orleans?

St. Louis Cemetery #1. Please help keep our historic cemetery clean and do not mark on the centuries old tombs. 425 Basin Street Office: 3421 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504-482-5065 504-304-0576 504-596-3050 – Tour Information 504-313- (fax) Gates: Monday – Sunday 9:00 am to 3:30 pm The exterior brick walls of St.

Who is buried at St Louis Cemetery No 2?

St. Louis No. 2 is located some three blocks back from St. Louis No. 1, bordering Claiborne Avenue. It was consecrated in 1823. A number of notable jazz and rhythm & blues musicians are buried here, including Danny Barker and Ernie K. Doe.

How much does it cost to visit St Louis Cemetery New Orleans?

New Orleans, LA 70112 ( Directions) Admission: $20 per pseron. *Please note that under the new rules set by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, ALL visitors to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 MUST be accompanied by licensed tour guide.

What is the oldest cemetery in St Louis?

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most famous. It was opened in 1789, replacing the city’s older St. Peter Cemetery ( French: Cimetière St. Peter; no longer in existence) as the main burial ground when the city was redesigned after a fire in 1788.