Established in 1841 by the Parish of St. Patrick’s Church, the St. Patrick Cemeteries are located on Canal Street and City Park Avenue. The vestry of St. Patrick’s purchased the land in 1841. The parish soon received permission from the City Council of New Orleans to build the cemetery.
Due to the layout of the site, the cemeteries had to be broken out into three areas. This resulted into three cemeteries: St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1, 2 and 3.
Initially, the cemetery offered in-groun burials due to preferences and cost considerations. Later, above-ground tombs became the preferred method.
While St. Patrick No. 2 and 3 have a more traditional layout, St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1 is more chaotic. This is due to the yellow fever epidemics of 1847 and 1853. Thousands died within a short period of time. This meant the dead had to buried quickly, resulting in less organized rows.
Since the initial parish was founded by Catholic Irish immigrants, St. Patrick Cemetery No. 1 is mainly comprised of tombs of the Irish – who were hit especially hard during the epidemics.
No. 2 and 3 reflect the changing demographics of the congregation with English, Italian and French tombs.
The cemetery is still in use.
Historical Marker Inscription
St. Patrick Cemetery
Established 1841
Welcome to the Holy Place
The Catholic Cemetery is the last resting place of the bodies of the faithful departed awaiting reunion with their souls at the resurrection on the last day.
Blessed by the church and dedicated to God the Catholic Cemetery testifies to a faith in the immortality of the soul and the promise of resurrection with Christ the Lord. Here the living find comfort and are consoled by visiting burial places of their loved ones and praying for them.
New Orleans
Archdiocesan Cemeteries.
Location
29° 58’ 57.492” N, 90° 6’ 34.770” W
St. Patrick Cemetery #1, 143 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States
