Metairie Cemetery: The Largest Cemetery in New Orleans

The Largest Cemetery in New Orleans

Metairie Cemetery, at under 150 acres, is the largest cemetery in New Orleans – yes, New Orleans. Despite its name, the cemetery is actually located within city limits.

Founded in 1872, it is the only cemetery in the country that used to be a racetrack - it is still laid out like a racetrack. You are not imaging things – you are walking in circles!

*The area known as Millionaires’ Circle.*

It is also the only park-like cemetery in the city and is home to over 1,000 trees. Many locals use it as a park. It is not uncommon to see people jogging, walking their dogs, or pushing their babies in strollers past these magnificent mausoleums and tombs.

Metairie Cemetery is the permanent home to many famous New Orleanians. Among others, its residents include Author Anne Rice, Popeyes Chicken Founder Al Copeland, Storyville madam Josie Arlington, Trumpeter Louis Prima, Gangster Carlos Marcello, Inventor of the Gin Fizz Harry Ramos, JFK Investigator Jim Garrison, First Governor of Louisiana William Claiborne, Murdered Police Chief David Hennessy, Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard, Owner of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Tom Benson, Ruth’s Chris Steak House founder Ruth Fertel, and many many more.

There are more private mausoleums (some valued in the millions) in Metairie Cemetery than all of the cemeteries in New Orleans combined!

Frequently voted one of the top cemeteries in the WORLD, Metairie Cemetery has a wide variety of architectural styles including Egyptian Revival, Byzantine, Victorian Gothic, Greek Revival, Baroque, Islamic Revival, Neo-Classical and more.

You will find an array of exquisite stained-glass windows, unique statues and monuments, and abundance of symbolism on the tombs – including the inverted torch, four virtues, tilted cross, draped urn, the hourglass with wings and much more.