Metairie Cemetery

Metairie Cemetery is a cemetery in New Orleans, Louisiana.

History

This site was previously a horse racing track, Metairie Race Course founded in 1838. The great oval of the old racetrack can still be seen as part of the cemetery roadway system.

Related Topics:
Horse racing - 1838

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According to a story well known locally, one Charles T. Howard, a "new money" wealthy gentleman who came to the city from Baltimore, Maryland, was refused membership in the track's exclusive "Louisiana Jockey Club". In revenge, he purchased the track grounds and converted it into a cemetery. Some local historians accept the story, others say that the race grounds were sold due to financial stress. Either way, the cemetery was opened here in 1872, and the tomb of Charles T. Howard is prominently placed in the center.

Related Topics:
Baltimore, Maryland - 1872

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A few tombs predating the foundation of this cemetery can be found here; these were originally erected in other local cemeteries and were moved here after Metairie became the city's most prestigious cemetery.

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