St.
Louis #1 is our oldest surviving cemetery. It is a French colonial cemetery with strong Spanish 
influences.
Its inhabitants, ambience, and architecture offer an engaging introduction to the Vieux Carre.
St.
Louis #1 began in 1789, the year after the city suffered a Yellow Fever epidemic, a calamitous
flood, and a fire that destroyed 80% of the city. A second fire in 1794, and the resulting fire
code, gave the Vieux Carre’ the look we see today.
The
Americans who acquired the city in 1803, called the Vieux Carre’ the “French Quarter.”
They referred to the large outdoor market as the “French Market.”
In
culture and language, New Orleans was a French city. In its architecture it was Spanish. Its
population was
stunningly open and diverse. Americans were taken aback by this openness, and the seeming
strangeness of its culture and customs.
As
you walk along the narrow streets, you will sense that this place retains the energy,
resilience, and festive air that graced it from its difficult, dangerous early decades.
You
will understand why visitors come back time after time to renew and enjoy their relationship
with New Orleans. Tours last approximately 1˝ hours and are $15.00 per person. Call for tour
times.
