Lafayette Cemetery

The Lafayette Cemetery in New Orleans was built in 1833. Two footpaths that shape a cross divide the cemetery. This is one crowded cemetery (1,000 tombs and 7,000 burials and counting) which had been filled to capacity in mere decades of its opening! Most of the tombs are constructed of inexpensive plastered brick while some wealthier families opted for marble tombs. Crypts were also built by fraternal organizations such as the Jefferson Fire Company No. 22. They took care of members and their families by sharing large tombs! The German and Irish immigrant families who experienced the 19th century yellow fever epidemic are also buried here.