by There are three Saint Louis Cemeteries in New Orleans, consisting mostly of above-ground vaults dating to the 18th and 19th centuries.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest (opened in 1789) and is located just one block from the iconic French Quarter. You may recall this cemetery from the iconic film “Easy Rider.”
It is still an active cemetery, but thanks to idiots who think cemetery vandalism is fun, it can only be accessed via tour (unless, of course, you’ve got a relation buried there). Tours leave every 15 minutes in groups of 20, and sell out in advance. It’s a popular thing to do in New Orleans!
The cemetery is just one square block, but holds thousands in its vaults. Why above-ground vaults?
One reason is that the high water table makes in-ground burials difficult (coffins can float back to the surface).
Another reason, however, is a little more macabre: the vaults serve to naturally decompose bodies fast in the New Orleans heat. After one year and one day, the job is considered done, and the remains can be pushed aside to make room for the next body. You thought your job sucked?
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