New Orleans City Tour

I took a city tour with my friend Judy (from Ohio.) We stopped several places and saw lots of New Orleans sights, but the above ground cemeteries were probably the most interesting.

Each family owns a plot and builds a tomb-traditionally they were brick with plaster covering. Inside are three coffin sized shelves to hold three bodies. On the front is a stone plaque on which is carved the names of the interred. The top slot is used first, the front is bricked up and then the engraved plaque is screwed onto the front. This process is repeated as needed until the 3 slots are filled. By the time a fourth spot is needed, the first spot's remains are ready to be collected into a smaller container and tucked into an empty corner of the tomb, thus freeing space for the next body.

These single spots placed around the fence are rented to families who do not have an empty spot in their tomb when needed. After a rental period of a year and a day, the remains are collected and placed into the family tomb.

There can be many generations in a single spot. 

Another stop we made was at the sculpture garden in City Park. City Park has 1300 acres donated by one family.

My friend Judy and I.