Forecast for New Orleans this week is hot and humid with a chance of showers. The temperature will be in the 90's and the heat index will be 105. At least I know what to pack. The last time I went to New Orleans was in the month of April. It was pretty chilly. I like hot vs. chilly. The resort has a pool and I will be there. We have an agenda for this trip.
- History Museum
- Jackson Square
- Bourbon Street
- St. Charles
- St Louie Cemeteries
- Market Place
- Riverwalk
One of my favorite places in all my travels is the history behind this place.
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New Orleans Cemeteries
"Cities of the Dead"
Only in New Orleans, which is unique in so many ways, could cemeteries be major tourist attractions. However, because the city is built on a swamp, the deceased have to be buried above ground here in elaborate stone crypts and mausoleums. Over time the cemeteries, with elaborate sculptures and other decorative artwork embellishing the tombs, have come to come to resemble small villages. They are known by the nickname of “Cities of the Dead.”
The most famous cemetery, St. Louis Cemetery #1, is walking distance from the French Quarter and the Downtown area. Located on historic Basin Street, it is the burial place of Marie Laveau, the legendary “voodoo queen.” Believers and non-believers alike make pilgrimages to her tomb to make offerings to her spirit in return for what they hope will be blessings. The many “X’s” scrawled on the tomb attest to the power she is believed to wield, even long after her death. Many other New Orleanians who achieved world fame are buried there as well, including 19th century chess champion Paul Morphy, Homer Plessy of the landmark Supreme Court segregation decision Plessy vs. Ferguson, and members of Impressionist artist Edgar Degas’ New Orleans-based family. |
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