The following tours visit Masonic Cemetery No.1:
4/30/2024 - 12/31/2024
New Orleans is a city with a rich and fascinating history, and one of the most unique sights to see is the elaborate above-ground tombs in the city's oldest cemeteries.
The pulsating city of New Orleans, often associated with jazz, Creole cuisine, vibrant celebrations, and rich history, is also home to the birthplace of Free Masonry in Louisiana, the famed Masonic Cemetery No. 1. Its location, tucked away on the end of historic Canal Street, adds a quaint, quiet charm to the city's bustling landscape. Built in 1789, this graveyard with its historical architecture and captivating vaults records the passage of time for the city. Swathed in enigma and historical significance, it draws not only history enthusiasts but also casual visitors, beckoning them on a journey through the city's past.
The Masonic Cemetery No. 1, established in 1789, sprawls over an area of around three acres. This serene resting place came into existence chiefly to serve the burial needs of Free Masons and their families. But today, it stands as a testament to Louisiana's history, holding within its grounds more than 200 distinctively ancient tombs and crypts. As visitors meander down its centuries-old paths, the walls around them whisper tales of those laid to rest here. Masons, veterans, influential people, famed architects, politicians, and even ordinary New Orleanians co-exist in eternal quietude, their stories forever etched in stone, plot, and memorial.
One of the most striking aspects of the Masonic Cemetery No. 1 is its distinctive above-ground burial methods, emphasizing New Orleans' unique interpretation of dealing with its high water table. This cemetery embodies the classic 'city of the dead' image because of its similarities to city layouts - the tombs and vaults interspersed neatly like homes along the streets. The notable structures include mausoleums of varying sizes, obelisks, the Pythian crypt, and the Temple Sinai plot with its imposing monument of Moses holding the Ten Commandments. But perhaps the most famous amongst the cemetery's occupants are Paul Morphy, a renowned chess player of the 19th century, and Charles F. Buck, a celebrated religious author.
At first glance, this cemetery may seem gloomy, but its beauty is subtly woven into the fabric of New Orleans' culture. Each year, the cemetery comes alive when the city commemorates its departed during the Day of the Dead. The residents participate by adorning the graves with flowers, decking the cemetery in a delightful ambiance of respect and community spirit. Indeed, it's not just a graveyard but a significant part of the city's cultural milieu.
Masonic Cemetery No. 1, with its quiet, old-world charm, may not be a conventional tourist attraction. Yet, it exudes an appealing allure for those interested in history, captivating architecture, or merely experiencing a different facet of New Orleans. This celestial city is a subtle reminder of the city's evolution, opening a bewitching window into the past. And as you savour the tranquillity that prevails here, you'll understand why visiting this serene outpost is worth finding your way to the end of Canal Street.
The Masonic Cemetery No. 1, established in 1789, sprawls over an area of around three acres. This serene resting place came into existence chiefly to serve the burial needs of Free Masons and their families. But today, it stands as a testament to Louisiana's history, holding within its grounds more than 200 distinctively ancient tombs and crypts. As visitors meander down its centuries-old paths, the walls around them whisper tales of those laid to rest here. Masons, veterans, influential people, famed architects, politicians, and even ordinary New Orleanians co-exist in eternal quietude, their stories forever etched in stone, plot, and memorial.
One of the most striking aspects of the Masonic Cemetery No. 1 is its distinctive above-ground burial methods, emphasizing New Orleans' unique interpretation of dealing with its high water table. This cemetery embodies the classic 'city of the dead' image because of its similarities to city layouts - the tombs and vaults interspersed neatly like homes along the streets. The notable structures include mausoleums of varying sizes, obelisks, the Pythian crypt, and the Temple Sinai plot with its imposing monument of Moses holding the Ten Commandments. But perhaps the most famous amongst the cemetery's occupants are Paul Morphy, a renowned chess player of the 19th century, and Charles F. Buck, a celebrated religious author.
At first glance, this cemetery may seem gloomy, but its beauty is subtly woven into the fabric of New Orleans' culture. Each year, the cemetery comes alive when the city commemorates its departed during the Day of the Dead. The residents participate by adorning the graves with flowers, decking the cemetery in a delightful ambiance of respect and community spirit. Indeed, it's not just a graveyard but a significant part of the city's cultural milieu.
Masonic Cemetery No. 1, with its quiet, old-world charm, may not be a conventional tourist attraction. Yet, it exudes an appealing allure for those interested in history, captivating architecture, or merely experiencing a different facet of New Orleans. This celestial city is a subtle reminder of the city's evolution, opening a bewitching window into the past. And as you savour the tranquillity that prevails here, you'll understand why visiting this serene outpost is worth finding your way to the end of Canal Street.
