Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans is one of the most historically significant cemeteries in Louisiana—and the final resting place of some of the city’s most influential figures. From jazz legend Louis Prima and novelist Anne Rice to civil rights leader P.B.S. Pinchback and Saints owner Tom Benson, the famous graves in Metairie Cemetery tell the story of New Orleans through music, politics, culture, and innovation.
Known for its striking above‑ground tombs and elaborate monuments, Metairie Cemetery reflects both the city’s unique geography and its deep European roots. This guide explores the most notable people buried in Metairie Cemetery, the history of the grounds, and why this 65‑acre site is as much an outdoor museum as a place of remembrance.
However, it is also due to its rich architectural and cultural heritage, rooted in French and Spanish influences. This tradition reflects cemetery landscapes found throughout Europe and former European colonies. New Orleans’ tombs mirrored the designs of ancient Roman columbaria and European vaults. One of the best examples of this is Metairie Cemetery.
The Fascinating History of Metairie Cemetery
Metairie Cemetery, despite its name, isn’t in Metairie, Louisiana, but right within New Orleans’ city limits on Metairie Road. This place has an interesting start. Before it ever became a cemetery, this spot was the Metairie Race Course. It sat on a ridge by the now-gone Bayou Metairie, drawing crowds for horse racing.
Refused membership by the Jockey Club, Charles T. Howard vowed to transform the track into a cemetery. Following the Civil War and the track’s bankruptcy, Howard’s vow came true. Now, Metairie Cemetery stands as a testament to history, its design mirroring the original race track. Charles Howard, who passed away in 1885, is buried here, fulfilling his unique legacy.
Today, Metairie Cemetery is known for its stunning marble tombs and sculptures, making it a significant site in New Orleans. It houses monuments such as the Army of Tennessee monument and the tomb of Confederate soldiers, along with other unique and elaborate memorials. This cemetery is not just a place for remembering the past; it’s a gallery of art and memory, showing the care and respect the community continues to hold for those who have passed.
Famous Graves in Metairie Cemetery
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in March, we decided to take a spur-of-the-moment trip to the cemetery. We had two reasons for going. First, we wanted to explore as much of New Orleans and Louisiana as we could with our little one.
Yes, cemeteries can be depressing, but they are also amazing places to teach respect and to inspire learning about the past. In addition, Mrs. Nola Nerd Couple has a relative buried here, but she doesn’t remember where.
If you aren’t from here, this cemetery covers 65 acres. This means we will have to make a return trip, during which we go into the offices to find her.
However, using Find a Grave, we were able to locate some of the famous graves in Metairie Cemetery. Jazz musician Louis Prima was one of our first stops. We played “I Wan’na Be Like You” so we could remember him the way that he probably wanted to be remembered: larger than life!
For history, we visited the graves as mentioned earlier. Still, I was more interested in finding P.B.S Pinchback’s final resting place. As a teacher of African American Studies in Louisiana, I discuss his life and legacy at length in my class.
We also saw William Claiborne, the first American governor of Louisiana, and Andrew Higgins, the man whom Dwight Eisenhower said won World War II for the US (a fact that we learned when we visited the Southwick House on a D-Day trip).
In local culture, we also viewed the final resting places of former Saints owner Tom Benson, restaurateur Al Copeland, and novelist Anne Rice. We also saw the grave and monument of Daniel A. Moriarty and his wife. The story of how this monument came to be is quite interesting.
Notable People Buried in Metairie Cemetery
Some of the most famous graves in Metairie Cemetery include:
- Louis Prima – Legendary jazz musician and entertainer
- Anne Rice – Best‑selling author of Interview with the Vampire
- P.B.S. Pinchback – First Black governor of a U.S. state
- Tom Benson – Former owner of the New Orleans Saints
- Al Copeland – Founder of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Andrew Higgins – Industrialist credited by Eisenhower with helping win WWII
- William C.C. Claiborne – First American governor of Louisiana
Metairie Cemetery as Art, Architecture, and Memory
Since 1872, Metairie Cemetery has been a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a final resting place for around 120,000 individuals and features a wide range of tomb styles.
Some tombs are simple, resembling small stone buildings, while others are extravagant, mimicking Greek temples or even pyramids. One notable tomb is a massive white marble sarcophagus on Metairie Road, inspired by a design from a Florentine basilica.
However, Metairie Cemetery has its rules. Activities like voodoo ceremonies, Goth weddings, and tarot card readings are strictly off-limits.
Although pets can’t be buried here, some tombs honor pets with sculptures, like the touching depiction of Francis Masich’s loyal dog, complete with a sculpted tear, highlighting the deep connections between owners and their pets. For those worried about pet aftercare, the cemetery’s complex includes a place for pet cremation and ash storage called Heaven’s Pets.
Metairie Cemetery stands as a testament to New Orleans’ rich cultural and architectural heritage, blending history with artistry in its unique above-ground tombs and monuments. From its origins as a race track to its current status as a historic site, it encapsulates the city’s distinctive approach to honoring its past and its people.
With the resting places of notable figures from music, history, and culture, alongside stunning sculptures and memorials, Metairie Cemetery is not just a final resting place but a vibrant reflection of New Orleans’ enduring spirit and legacy.
If you have a new camera and want to learn how to get the most out of it, the Metairie Cemetery is a great place to do it. We learned on the streets of the French Quarter, but practicing here allows for different studies of art and architecture with your own artistic framing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Metairie Cemetery
Why are so many graves above ground in New Orleans?
Because of the high water table and European influences, above-ground tombs are common in Metairie Cemetery and across New Orleans and South Louisiana. New Orleans Catholic Cemeteries is a great place to learn more.
Who are the most famous people buried in Metairie Cemetery?
Louis Prima – Legendary jazz musician and entertainer
Anne Rice – Best‑selling author of Interview with the Vampire
P.B.S. Pinchback – First Black governor of a U.S. state
Tom Benson – Former owner of the New Orleans Saints
Al Copeland – Founder of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Andrew Higgins – Industrialist credited by Eisenhower with helping win WWII
William C.C. Claiborne – First American governor of Louisiana
Can I visit Metairie Cemetery?
Yes, the cemetery is open to visitors. Check the official site for the latest hours and visitor guidelines.
Are tours available?
Some local companies offer guided tours, or you can explore on your own. Make sure you know the operating hours if going alone. Also, bring water if the temperature is warm.
Is there a map available?
Yes, you can get a map at the cemetery office or online at sites like findagrave.com.
What are the rules for visitors?
Voodoo ceremonies, tarot readings, and certain events are not allowed. Be respectful of the grounds and the people resting there.
Let’s Discuss
Which famous grave in Metairie Cemetery would you like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Did you know about the history of Metairie Cemetery? Would you like to see more about New Orleans and Louisiana cemeteries?
I can’t wait to read this book about New Orleans Cemeteries and visit more of these local historic sites.
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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