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St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
New Orleans' oldest cemetery holds the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Visitors leave offerings and mark X's on her tomb, hoping for wishes granted. Her ghost walks among the whitewashed crypts.
1789 - Present
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
10000+ witnesses
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is New Orleans’ most haunted graveyard.
The Cemetery
According to historical records:
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1:
- Established 1789
- Oldest in New Orleans
- Above-ground tombs
- Called “Cities of the Dead”
- Famous residents
Marie Laveau
The Voodoo Queen:
- Most famous resident
- Died 1881
- Her tomb draws pilgrims
- X marks for wishes
- Offerings left constantly
The Rituals
At her tomb:
- Visitors knock three times
- Mark X on tomb
- Leave offerings
- Make wishes
- Some claim they come true
Her Ghost
Marie Laveau reportedly:
- Walks the cemetery
- Wearing white headwrap
- Red-and-white dress
- Performing rituals
- Helping or cursing
Other Spirits
Also seen:
- Former mayor
- Yellow fever victims
- Henry Latrobe (architect)
- Various others
- Very active cemetery
Modern Rules
Today:
- Tours only with guide
- No more X marks allowed
- Tomb cleaned regularly
- But offerings appear
- Magic continues