Historic Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana is an historic place to honor loved ones who have passed, and give future generations a place to remember and reflect.
Private Mausoleum
Herald Angel
It is not in the town of Metairie, as you might expect. It is on Metairie Road in New Orleans!
Copeland Family Mausoleum celebrating Mardi Gras
Eternal Flame stained glass window
As I have learned from visiting many cemeteries in our travels, is that they all have a story to tell. Metairie Cemetery’s story is that it has a long and distinguished genealogy. It was not always a cemetery. In fact, the land has witnessed many of the events and figures that have been instrumental in making the history of New Orleans so fascinating.
The Historic Metairie Cemetery Mausoleums look like small homes with gardens and fences. I guess, in a way, that’s exactly what they are!
Madonna and child stained glass window
It was established in 1872, and has become an historic and premier 127-acre cemetery. The land it sits on was previously known as the Metairie Race Course. In fact you can still see the oval racetrack on the grounds to this day.
Intricate Angel Tombstone
A Couple Remembered with Love
Historic Metairie Cemetery is the resting place of many of Louisiana’s military leaders, past governors, mayors and innumerable men and women of the business, cultural, political and social life of New Orleans. This cemetery is filled with breathtaking memorials, ornate marble tombs and truly incredibly detailed stained lass windows and statues.
Another private estate at Metairie Cemetery
Those knobs along the creek are called Cypress knees. they’re actually the roots of the Cypress trees,
In 1991 Metairie Cemetery was entered in the National Register of Historic Places. A little over a decade later, In 2003, Forbes Magazine named Metairie Cemetery Association one of the 10 Most Interesting Cemeteries in the World, due to its unique historical significance and beauty.
Tranquil Oaks Cremation Garden
A place for reflection…
One of the most memorable parts of this historic cemetery is the Tranquil Oaks Cremation Garden. It is truly a place of serenity and tranquility. A place where loved ones can come and reflect of the lives of those they have lost.
Weeping Angel/Angel of Grief at Chapman H. Hyams Tomb
Our main reason for visiting Historic Metairie Cemetery Louisiana, was to get a real life view of The Weeping Angel. We searched and searched. Finally we asked a groundskeeper for directions. At last we found what we were looking for. Unfortunately I could only get a photo through the blue glass of the mausoleum door. She is so beautiful that I had goose bumps all up and down my arms!
80-foot tall Moriarity Monument is tallest in New Orleans
Monument for Army of Tennessee Louisiana Division honors Civil War Soldiers
There is even a place for beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge! Heaven’s Pets is on the grounds of Metairie Cemetery. Heaven’s Pets open in the Spring of 2006. It was originally created in 2002 by local veterinarian Dr. Brian Melius and his wife, Jennifer, who’s family has been caring for pets of the New Orleans community for over 50 years.
Bronze of a woman in mourning
Rotunda with giant urn inside
According to the Metairie Cemetery website: “Heaven’s Pets has its own personnel, vehicles and on-site crematory designed and used only for pet cremations.” “Heaven’s Pets features an arrangement room, a viewing room for remembrance services and an ossuary. Families are able to select from numerous personalized memorial options for their pets.”
Another tomb in the Private Estate area looks like a pyramid. This is NOT Nicolas Cage’s. His is bigger and at a different cemetery.
Private Estate Metairie Cemetery
Historic Metairie Cemetery Louisiana is a beautiful memorial and resting place for New Orleanians. It is artful and peaceful and celebrates the lives of those dear departed, whether human or pet.
