Metairie Cemetery, Historical cemetery in New Orleans, United States
Metairie Cemetery is a historic burial ground covering 150 acres (61 hectares) on Metairie Ridge in New Orleans. Wide main roads connect smaller paths between numerous marble vaults and funerary monuments.
The site served as Metairie Race Course from 1838 onward. After use as a military camp during the Civil War, it was converted into a cemetery in 1872.
The tombs reflect Louisiana's Creole and Catholic heritage through elaborate family mausoleums built in European styles. Grave-tending customs here follow regional traditions that differ from typical American cemetery practices.
Visitors use the Fountain Gate Main Entrance until 5:30 PM, while pedestrian access closes at 3 PM at 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard. Roads are wide enough for cars, with slow driving respecting foot traffic.
The oval layout of the pathways follows the original racetrack shape from before the Civil War. This design makes it one of the few cemeteries in America whose form directly documents a previous use.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
