The Metairie Cemetery Is One Of Louisiana's Spookiest Cemeteries
By Jackie Ann|Published October 09, 2019
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Louisiana is no stranger to things that go bump in the night. Paranormal experiences have haunted the state for centuries, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the reasons people visit the Bayou State. Louisiana cemeteries are certainly one of our most unique attractions – New Orleans cemeteries in particular. Mark Twain famously called them “Cities of the Dead,” and if you’ve ever visited a New Orleans cemetery, you’ll understand why. Hauntingly beautiful, Metairie Cemetery is one of Louisiana’s spookiest cemetery, and certainly worthy of a visit. Let’s check it out.
The name can be confusing, as Metairie Cemetery is actually in New Orleans, not Metairie.
Located on Metairie Road, the cemetery was actually built on the grounds of the old Metairie Race Course after it went bankrupt in 1872. The racetrack was owned by the Metairie Jockey Club, who famously refused membership to Charles T. Howard, a local New Orleanian who had began the first Louisiana State Lottery.
In a fit of rage, Howard cursed the racetrack and proclaimed that the track would one day become a cemetery.
Sure enough, he was able to see his curse come true after the racetrack went bankrupt, and Mr. Howard is, in fact, buried in the cemetery on Central Avenue.
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While all New Orleans cemeteries stand out, Metairie Cemetery has the largest collection of marble tombs and funeral statuary in the Crescent City.
And each one is more hauntingly beautiful than the next. As you stroll through the cemetery, you’ll notice several that catch your eye, including a pseudo-Egyptian pyramid and the Army of Tennessee, Louisiana Division Monument among others.
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Countless notable New Orleanians have been laid to rest here.
More than 7,000 tombs are sprawled out over the 150-acre cemetery, and you’ll see dozens upon dozens of century-old grave sites. From Confederate General John Bell Hood to Saints owner Tom Benson, you’ll recognize many names here.
One spirit commonly seen is that of David Hennessey, a police chief during the late 19th century. Visitors have reported seeing him dressed in his police uniform, patrolling the grounds.
Many who have passed by his tomb have heard disembodied voices emanating from within. With no one around and no logical explanation, many believe it to be Mr. Howard, still upset over being denied membership to the racetrack.
Next time you find yourself in New Orleans, be sure to find the time to visit this hauntingly beautiful cemetery.
