NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – In the spirit of the season, I asked the experts at French Quarter Phantoms Tour Company to recommend a few more final resting places that history-loving locals should know about.
St. Louis Cemetery Number Two is on the list. Located on Claiborne Avenue between St. Louis and Iberville Streets, it’s not the safest place in town, but it’s where you’ll find lots of artistic tombs, including the one of Captain Dominique You, who some say was the brother of pirate Jean Lafitte, who stood next to Andrew Jackson during the battle of New Orleans.
Also on the list, the below-ground Holt Cemetery, established in 1897 and also known as “Potter’s Field.” Located near Delgado Community College, it’s where many of New Orleans poor are buried, in shallow graves with make-shift markers. There’s a monument to honor the famous jazz musician Buddy Bolden, although it’s not certain exactly where his body lies.
Finally, another unique place of the dead is St. Roch cemetery and its intriguing chapel. Located at 1725 st. Roch Avenue, not far from Claiborne Avenue, the chapel is overrun with prosthetics, braces and other items left by people who prayed for St. Roch’s healing powers. Folklore also says he is the patron saint of old maids, so many single ladies are said to have prayed to him for a husband. But beware, the story says that if he grants “that” wish, he will eventually take something else away!
If you want to learn more about supernatural New Orleans, take a tour with French Quarter Phantoms Tour Company. There are several to choose from and here’s another Travel Girl tip, if you buy your tickets in advance online, you’ll get a discount. Tours are rated “PG-13” and run every day of the year except Fat Tuesday.
Be a “smart” hometown tourist! Visit these places during the day time, and join a tour or go with a group. New Orleans is a city full of supernatural surprises, may all of yours be safe ones. I’m Travelgirl Stephanie Oswald and I’ll see you next time!