The vast majority of the graves in New Orleans are aboveground, and while no small amount of grandiosity inspired the more extravagant high-rise tombs, this practice of building up rather than down originated out of necessity. The region's high water table makes for wet digging.
Family tombs are the most common type of tomb. They are privately owned and typically house the remains of several generations.. The grandest tombs are the society tombs often dedicated to particular 19th c. immigrant groups, who pooled funds to take care of their dead. The larger society tombs have more than 20 vaults, and as these are reused over time. the population within these monuments can reach staggering numbers. (I know, more than you needed/wanted to know.)
There are more than 40 cemeteries in New Orleans. Having visited other New Orleans cemeteries doesn't quite prepare you for the over-the-top extravagance and stunning architectural splendor of Metairie Cemetery.
Established in 1872 on a former race track, Metairie Cemetery is the most American of New Orleans' cities of the dead, and, like the houses of the Garden District, its tombs appear to be attempts at one-upmanship. This is a photo of the reputed 'tallest privately owned monument' in the entire country--the Moriarty monument.
There is an incredible array of expressive, creative and often strange statuary and ornamentation that adorns many of the crypts. (Hmm, a strange red tomb in the background.)
Who knew visiting the cemetery could be so entertaining.
I'd like a monument, please, when I die! Only mine should have a few more steps, please, a couple more columns, and perhaps a large marble statue in front? Wherever your whimsy takes you...
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I really enjoyed this post, mom. Makes me want to go there. Curious, the neighborhood-like feel the row of "houses" gives. It's eerie, but I get the one-upmanship. It's like because they couldn't have the better or best house or neighborhood, they could at least have it in death. A sidewalk and everything! It has a ghost town feel (kind of like the row of museum-houses at the Clark County museum in LV!).
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