Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 remains closed to the public.
At this time, only permitted workers and families burying loved ones
or visiting and tending their graves are allowed into the cemetery.
At this time, only permitted workers and families burying loved ones
or visiting and tending their graves are allowed into the cemetery.
FAQs about Cemetery Closure
Notice Spring, 2024: Significant changes recently in several city administration departments have resulted in further delays in cemetery plans. Contact information for questions about proposed repairs, a reopening timeline or any other concerns remains the same as posted in the Spring, 2022 notice below.
Notice Spring, 2023: Please contact the number posted in the 2022 notice below with any questions regarding the cemetery's closure, current work within it or its anticipated reopening date.
Notice Spring, 2022: For all questions about the city's proposed timeline for re-opening Lafayette No. 1 to the public, call the cemetery office at 504-658-3781.
Update Spring, 2020: Closures and protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic have delayed the city's repair plans at Lafayette No. 1 and its projected re-open date. The situation remains in flux at this time.
Note: Some information on this page may be outdated.
Q1) When will the cemetery re-open?
A) The planned re-opening of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in Spring, 2020, has been unavoidably delayed due to the pandemic and other factors. (See Covid note above.) The city hired a new Superintendent of Cemeteries in late 2019 to oversee all city cemeteries including Lafayette No. 1. The Cemetery Division office can be reached at 504-658-3781.
City officials have been working with cemetery maintenance crews and Parks and Parkways staff to clean accumulated vegetative debris (mostly oak and magnolia leaves) and mud from walkways and around tombs and to trim branches overhanging the cemetery walls and tombs. Arborists and other professionals have been called in and consulted on the more difficult and extensive repair work needed. This includes root damage to tombs and walkways, much needed walkway repair to make it safer to traverse, water line repair, exterior wall repair and repairs to the termite-damaged cottage roof. There are still on-going repairs to vandalized and damaged tombs (contracted privately by owners) currently in process with some still to be scheduled.
Fragile cemetery infrastructure has deteriorated severely in recent years due to a sharp increase in unsupervised traffic and abuses. City officials assure us they are determined to take the necessary steps now to repair it and to protect it in the future as the city budget allows.
Q2) Who is allowed in the cemetery during its closure?
A) While the extensive repairs are in progress, only family members with loved ones interred in Lafayette No. 1, workers hired by the city for repairs and cemetery professionals hired to work directly on individual tombs or copings are allowed into the cemetery. Each of these must request specific permission from the city for access and is held accountable for what happens while they are there. These workers are not allowed to let anyone else in, including family members with plots in the cemetery. Family members are asked to request permission directly from the city. (See Question # 4 below.)
City officials say their main interest is to provide limited access to those with legitimate reasons to enter the cemetery (such as family members visiting loved ones’ graves and professional cemetery workers) while assuring protection and safety and preventing abuses during its closure. The city has declared Lafayette No. 1 an unsafe environment for general visitation.
Q3) Will non-family visitors be allowed in the cemetery once it re-opens?
A) The current plan is to allow guests into Lafayette No. 1 in a way that does not further damage or desecrate this sacred and historic place. The city plans for this to coincide with budgeting for on-site security. Specifics on guest visitation once the cemetery re-opens are still in the planning stages.
Q4) How does a family member request access to the cemetery during its closure?
A) This process has changed a couple of times during the closure. The city first requested day and time blocks for families to be allowed entrance during specified hours. This has proved difficult for the limited staff to manage, so they are now asking family members of loved ones interred in Lafayette No. 1 who need to enter to contact them individually for entrance at least a couple of days in advance. They will vet all requests through their records. Cemetery office hours are Mondays – Fridays from 7 am to 3 pm. The cemetery office number is 504-658-3781. Please note, the city does not have cemetery staff available after 3 pm on weekdays or all day on weekends except as pre-arranged for a burial or in an emergency. Direct family members of those interred in Lafayette No. 1 can also contact LCTC with questions through the Contact Us portal on this website.
Q5) What about the trees?
A5) So far, city personnel have cut back invasive weeds and "trash" trees, cleared leaves and trimmed branches of overhanging oaks and magnolias. The city is working with Parks and Parkways and other professionals, including arborists, to make informed decisions about the magnolia trees and their root systems that are impacting tombs and walkways.
NOTE: All procedures above are evolving as city officials work through long-neglected policies and processes. There may still be additional changes. They ask that family members please be patient as this process unfolds. LCTC will notify its associates of any changes affecting families and post public city notices regarding Lafayette No. 1 on its website.