Atmospheric Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans

Metairie Cemetery is a final resting place and a true architectural masterpiece in New Orleans. Retaining the unique oval shape of its former life as a racetrack, the cemetery has transformed into an extraordinary site that amalgamates history, culture, and art.

Among the 42 cemeteries of New Orleans, Metairie stands out as the most atmospheric. Here, days are spent wandering among seven thousand tombs and mausoleums. But what secrets does this 'city of the dead' hold within its walls?

The Unusual Necropolis of New Orleans

Metairie Cemetery's history began in 1838 when the land was used as a racetrack. After the Civil War, as interest in racing declined, the land was repurposed into a cemetery. A pivotal role in creating the unique layout of the cemetery was played by architect Benjamin Morgan Harrod, who seamlessly integrated the cemetery into the existing oval shape of the former racetrack. He chose not to destroy the racetrack's foundation, so the cemetery and its tombs were laid out within the original track.

The Civil War had a significant impact on the South. Planters went bankrupt, and there was no longer any interest in entertainment — the estates had to be managed without slave labor. The Jockey Club was demolished. In 1872, Charles purchased the land and erected the cemetery. Tragically, he fell from a horse and was buried in his creation 13 years later. His mausoleum was erected at the center of the necropolis. It is said that Charles's spirit still wanders here. However, this story seems more like an urban myth than an actual historical fact.

Metairie Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It earned this honor because it is the final resting place of many notable figures, and the site itself impresses with the architecture of mausoleums, tombs, and monuments.

The Stars and Spirits of Metairie Cemetery

Beneath the green canopies of ancient trees and among the majestic mausoleums of Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans, astonishing stories from all corners of the city's history are hidden. From the great and famous to the ordinary citizens, each of those resting here has left their mark in the mosaic of New Orleans' heritage.

This is a place where the past and present intersect, where legends come to life, and spirits continue to tell their tales. The saga of Metairie is a journey through time, to the stars and spirits of the cemetery, each with their unique story to tel

David Hennessy

In the late 19th century, Hennessy led the New Orleans police force. As a youth, he caught two thieves red-handed and brought them to the police station. By the age of 20, he became a detective. From then on, everything took a turn for the worse.

In 1882, David left the department to join a security firm, and seven years later, he became the city's police chief. He began to eradicate corruption with all his might, but ultimately angered the Italian mafia so much that he was murdered at his own doorstep in 1890. His killer was never found, and his ghost is said to still roam the cemetery, watching over it from vandal

Josie Arlington

Josie grew up in a strict family. At 16, when she decided to go out with a friend, her father angrily told her she might as well not come back. Ignoring his words, she returned to find the door locked and her parents unresponsive. Homeless, Josie was found by a man who turned out to be a pimp. Her career ascended, and 15 years later, she was managing her own brothel. In 1905, the brothel burned down. For Josie, it was a devastating blow — she never recovered from it.

Until her death in 1914, she was obsessed with the afterlife. Arlington created an Egyptian-style tombstone for herself, reminiscent of the moment she was not allowed home. After her death, her lover squandered all her savings and even married her niece. Her body was later moved to another location, and it seems Josie Arlington has not found peace yet. Her mausoleum was named the "Blazing Tomb".

Inspiring and Disturbing Legends

William Claiborne

William Claiborne was the first American governor of Louisiana after the 1803 purchase. He faced numerous challenges: his lack of French understanding in a dominantly French-speaking environment and cultural clashes between French and Spanish communities.

Claiborne spent years trying to capture the pirate Jean Lafitte, but never succeeded. Lafitte mysteriously vanished in 1826. Claiborne passed away, having not achieved significant accomplishments in his lifetime.

P. B. S. Pinchback

The only African-American governor of Louisiana, Pinchback was born in 1837 to a white father and a black mother. After his father's death, he and his immediate family fled to New Orleans.

Pinchback served as a riverboat captain on the Mississippi and also participated in the Civil War. He became lieutenant governor in 1871 after the previous official was expelled. Pinchback was known for establishing Southern University.

By his death in 1921 in Washington, he was forgotten as a politician. His body was returned to New Orleans and buried in a private family crypt.

Tennessee Army

This army fought for the South in the Civil War. After the Battle of Stones River, the army lost 11,000 men and began to retreat, with some deserting.

After their demise, a tomb was erected for them in the cemetery. Atop the tomb stands a statue of General Albert Sidney on horseback. At the tomb's entrance is a statue of a Confederate officer holding a list of the fallen. General Johnston was also buried here until his remains were later transferred to Texas.