Cypress Grove Cemetery

Explore a unique collection of 5 culturally and architecturally diverse cemeteries in New Orleans’ historic Mid-City neighborhood. These cemeteries are located on what was once the northern (lakeside) boundary of the city of New Orleans, which explains the density and variety of cemeteries in this area. It is also where the remains of unidentified bodies from Hurricane Katrina are buried. Take the 47 streetcar from Downtown New Orleans to the meeting point at Sacred Grinds Coffee House where there are bathrooms and refreshments available for purchase before the tour begins. It also gives guests a glimpse of New Orleans’ mysterious Odd Fellows Rest – the final resting place for members of a faded secret society. Then on to the cemeteries. Learn about the trials and tribulations of the city’s early Irish immigrants in St. Patrick Cemetery as well as the devastating effects of yellow fever in the Charity Hospital Cemetery. Experience stunning architecture while admiring some of the city’s most extravagant tombs in Greenwood & Cypress Grove cemeteries. Conclude your tour with an in-depth overview of the lasting effects of Hurricane Katrina while paying respect to the many lives lost in the Hurricane Katrina Memorial Cemetery.

Discover New Orleans' unique cemeteries on this urban adventure with a local guide. Start your tour at Greenwood Cemetery, home to some of New Orleans' most impressive tombs, as well as immigrant society tombs and a Civil War monument. Next, walk over to Cypress Grove Cemetery, where you will hear stories of the development of New Orleans as you stand among the tombs of some of the city's oldest families. Here, get the chance to see a Chinese society tomb and a memorial to the unknown Civil War soldiers. Afterwards, head to the Katrina Memorial Cemetery. Established in the 19th century as a mass grave for the victims of yellow fever, it is now the site of a moving memorial to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Take a brief walk through St. Patrick #1 Cemetery, one of several Catholic cemeteries in New Orleans, and learn about the history of the Irish people of New Orleans. If time permits, your next stop is Dispersed of Judah Cemetery, another 19th-century cemetery built specifically for the Jewish community. Learn more about the Jewish traditions and burial requirements that have led the community to come up with innovative and interesting ways to memorialize their dead. End your tour at a local coffee house right on the Canal Street streetcar line.

Visit multiple cemeteries in the Mid-City District at the end of the Canal Street No. 47 Streetcar Line, which runs North-west from the Downtown/French Quarter. The tour is led by Master Storytellers who will enlighten you about the different, unique burial customs and practices which will be explained to you as you visit a range of historic cemeteries. The tour begins from the outside the Beachcorner Bar and Grill on Canal Street. The first stop is at the Gates of Mercy of the Dispersed of Judah where you will learn about the unique Jewish burial customs and traditions associated with this cemetery. Next stop are the old Irish cemeteries of St Patrick's #1 & #2, two Catholic Cemeteries with different styles and bearing witness to the terrible loss of life incurred in the Yellow fever epidemic. Then it is on to Odd Fellows Rest where you will discover the tale of the "exceedingly beautiful" procession to consecrate this cemetery and learn about the now famous “second line processions” tradition. The tour then crosses Canal Street to the Katrina Memorial located inside the Charity Hospital Cemetery. Here you will find the final resting place of Hurricane Katrina's unidentified souls. Then on to Cypress Grove Cemetery, establish in 1840, where you will be guided around to see the many architecturally beautiful edifices in this amazingly beautiful city of the dead. This is one of the best places to learn about the unique burial customs of New Orleans. The final stop will be at the Greenwood Cemetery, established in 1852, where you will be guided around the cemetery and will learn what a tumulus is and what it has to do with a Burlesque Circus! You will also hear about the association this cemetery has with the Elks Lodge. From there your local guide will escort you to the Canal Cemeteries Streetcar Terminus where you can take the streetcar back down to Downtown or the French Quarter.