Spirit of Marie Lavaeu, Saint Louis Cemetery #1, New Orleans, Louisiana

Marie Lavaeu was a hair dresser in 19th century New Orleans.  However, she had a mysterious side that would become well renowned around the bayou. She was a Voodoo priestess on the side and some say she still walks the streets of her burial place.

The ghost of Voodoo Queen Marie Lavaeu is said to walk Saint Louis Cemetery #1 where she was buried in 1881.

The Saint Louis Cemetery #1, the oldest of the three Saint Louis Cemeteries in New Orleans is said to be haunted by the ghost of Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.  She was entombed there in 1881.  Some believe that the priestess was so good at her craft, that she arises from her grave and walks the cemetery grounds.  A woman wearing African style turban and clothing has been spotted walking through the crowded vaults and tombs of Saint Louis. Some believe this is the spirit of Marie Lavaeu.

The crowed tombs of Saint Louis Cemetery #1 hold over 150,000 bodies including that of Marie Lavaeu and is thought to be one of the most haunted cemeteries in the world.

Built in 1789, the cemetery is said to contain over three hundred bodies per square foot amounting to well over one hundred and fifty thousand human remains in a square block area. Due to the limited space in the city, they began to stack grave upon grave. Some say there are many souls who haunt this graveyard.  Strange sounds such as crying and moaning can be heard emanating from the tombs within its gates.  On certain nights when that are otherwise fog free, an eerie mist seems to move throughout the grave yard in different directions as if guided by some unseen force.

Marie Lavaeu, it is said, likes to stroll out of the graveyard on occasion and walk about. She has also been seen walking the streets of New Orleans itself.  People swear to see Voodoo queen one minute walking down a dark side street, then the next instant they turn around for another look, she is gone!

Location:

29°57'25"N 90°4'34"W
425 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 

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