St. Peter Cemetery: A Forgotten Relic of New Orleans’ Past
New Orleans is a city rich in history, mystery, and a unique blend of cultural influences that shape its distinct character. Among the many historic sites that once dotted the city, St. Peter Cemetery stands as one of the earliest burial grounds in New Orleans, playing a crucial role in the city’s colonial past. Although it no longer exists in its original form, its legacy continues to be a topic of intrigue among historians and those fascinated by the city’s storied past.
The History of St. Peter Cemetery
Established in the early 18th century, St. Peter Cemetery was New Orleans’ first official burial ground. Founded by the French during their colonial rule, the cemetery was located near what is now the French Quarter, reflecting the necessity for a designated burial site as the population of the fledgling settlement grew.
During this time, New Orleans faced constant struggles with disease, flooding, and unsanitary conditions, making burial practices a crucial part of daily life. Unlike today’s famous above-ground cemeteries in New Orleans, St. Peter Cemetery primarily consisted of in-ground burials, as was the norm in early French colonial settlements.
Challenges and Closure
By the late 1700s, St. Peter Cemetery had become overcrowded and unsanitary due to repeated outbreaks of yellow fever and other deadly diseases that plagued the city. Additionally, its location in a low-lying area made it vulnerable to flooding, which often led to unearthed bodies and deteriorating conditions.
In 1789, Spanish authorities, who had taken control of New Orleans from the French, ordered the closure of St. Peter Cemetery and the establishment of a new burial ground—St. Louis Cemetery No. 1—which remains one of the most famous cemeteries in the city today.
Following its closure, St. Peter Cemetery gradually disappeared, and the land was repurposed for development. Today, there are no visible remains of the cemetery, but historical records and maps indicate that it was located near modern-day St. Peter Street, in the heart of the French Quarter.
The Forgotten Cemetery’s Legacy
Despite its disappearance, St. Peter Cemetery holds an important place in the history of New Orleans. It serves as a reminder of the city’s early struggles with disease, mortality, and urban development. Some believe that many graves still lie beneath modern structures, hidden beneath layers of history.
Historians and archaeologists have occasionally attempted to pinpoint the cemetery’s exact boundaries, and some believe that human remains may still exist beneath the streets and buildings of the French Quarter. This idea contributes to New Orleans’ reputation as one of the most haunted cities in America, with many believing that restless spirits from the city’s earliest days still roam the area.
Conclusion
While it may no longer exist as a visible landmark, St. Peter Cemetery remains a significant piece of New Orleans’ past. It tells a story of colonial life, the struggles of early settlers, and the ongoing evolution of the city. As New Orleans continues to embrace its rich history, the memory of its first burial ground serves as an enduring link to the city’s origins and its deeply rooted connection to the past.
In 2011, 15 coffins containing skeletons were found during a pool dig in the French Quarter. The coffins were from the Saint Peter Cemetery