Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

New Orleans’ Metairie Cemetery is home to a captivating self-guided audio tour that transports visitors through the city’s rich religious heritage. Stories of Faith and Courage delves into the lives of heroic figures and revered saints, offering a profound glimpse into the spiritual foundations that have shaped the Crescent City. From the ‘Angel of the Delta‘ to a beloved priest who ministered during yellow fever, these narratives provide a powerful insight into the faith and courage that have long defined New Orleans’ enduring identity. Prepare to uncover the city’s deep-rooted religious culture as you embark on this captivating journey.

Key Points

• The audio tour provides a captivating glimpse into the spiritual heart of New Orleans, exploring tales of heroic figures and revered saints.
• Visitors can learn about the story of Margaret Haughery, the ‘Angel of the Delta’, who dedicated her life to caring for orphans and the poor.
• The tour highlights the story of Father Mathew Niermann, a beloved priest who ministered to the sick during yellow fever epidemics.
• The final resting place of the Ursuline nuns, whose service and commitment to education have inspired generations, is featured in the tour.
• The audio tour offers a unique perspective on the profound impact of religion on New Orleans’ enduring cultural traditions.

Overview of the Tour

This self-guided audio tour immerses visitors in the magic of New Orleans’ cemeteries, guiding them on an hour-long GPS-enabled stroll through the Metairie Race Course, now transformed into a ‘City of the Dead’.

Visitors will explore imposing society tombs and soaring mausolea, while hearing tales of heroes, saints, and Carnival kings and queens. The tour also delves into the city’s rich military history and religious culture.

With lifetime access to the tour in English, visitors can download the VoiceMap app and explore the cemetery at their own pace. This practical and concise audio tour allows travelers to discover the stories of faith and courage that lie within the Crescent City’s hallowed grounds.

Meeting Point and Location

The tour begins at the pedestrian entrance to Metairie Cemetery, near the ‘horse on the hill’ and Tom Benson’s tomb within the Metairie Race Course, which has been transformed into a ‘City of the Dead’. This historic site serves as the starting point for an immersive self-guided audio tour that takes visitors on a journey through the rich history and culture of New Orleans.

Meeting Point	Location
Pedestrian Entrance	Metairie Cemetery
Near	‘Horse on the Hill’, Tom Benson’s Tomb
Transformed Into	‘City of the Dead’

From this central location, the tour guides participants through the imposing society tombs and soaring mausolea, weaving tales of heroes, saints, and Carnival royalty.

Exploring the Society Tombs

As visitors stroll through the Metairie Cemetery, they’ll encounter the towering, ornate society tombs that dot the landscape, each one a testament to the wealth and influence of the families laid to rest within.

These imposing mausoleums showcase stunning architecture, from intricate carvings to soaring columns and domes.

Listeners will learn the stories behind these grand structures, uncovering the rich history and traditions that shaped New Orleans’ unique funeral culture.

From the tomb of Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard to the final resting place of Carnival royalty, the audio tour provides a captivating glimpse into the city’s past, blending tales of heroism, faith, and the enduring human spirit.

Tales of Heroes and Saints

Along the winding paths of Metairie Cemetery, visitors uncover tales of heroic figures and revered saints who’ve left an indelible mark on New Orleans’ rich religious history.

One such story is that of Margaret Haughery, known as the ‘Angel of the Delta,’ who dedicated her life to caring for orphans and the poor.

Another is that of Father Mathew Niermann, a beloved priest who ministered to the sick and dying during the yellow fever epidemics.

Visitors can also discover the final resting place of the Ursuline nuns, whose selfless service and commitment to education have inspired generations.

These stories of faith and courage offer a profound glimpse into the spiritual heart of the Crescent City.

Carnival Kings and Queens

Beneath the grand society tombs of Metairie Cemetery, the final resting places of Carnival’s most renowned kings and queens await discovery. Visitors can uncover the stories of the men and women who reigned over New Orleans’ legendary parades, their ornate costumes and jeweled crowns now silent testaments to the city’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Carnival Royalty	Reign
Rex, King of Carnival	1872 – present
Comus, the Oldest Krewe	1857 – present
Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club	1909 – present

These legendary figures, from Rex’s majestic presence to Zulu’s playful spirit, continue to captivate visitors, their legacies forever woven into the fabric of New Orleans’ storied Mardi Gras traditions.

Military History of New Orleans

New Orleans’ storied military history is etched into the very fabric of the city, with its strategic location along the Mississippi River making it a crucial outpost for generations of armed forces.

From the Union’s occupation during the Civil War to the heroic efforts of the U.S. military in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, this audio tour will explore the city’s rich military heritage.

Visitors will learn about the key battles and figures that have shaped New Orleans’ military past, exploring the city’s many monuments and memorials that honor its brave servicemen and women.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the city’s past, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the military legends that have helped define New Orleans.

Religious Culture of New Orleans

Alongside New Orleans’ storied military history, the city’s vibrant religious culture has also played a pivotal role in shaping its unique identity.

From the soaring Gothic Revival spires of St. Louis Cathedral to the eclectic blend of spiritual traditions found in the city’s numerous voodoo shops, New Orleans’ reverence for the divine is woven throughout its landscape and community.

The tour explores the rich religious heritage of the city, delving into the stories of saints, Carnival royalty, and the diverse faith practices that have flourished in this dynamic metropolis.

Visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the profound influence of religion on New Orleans’ history, architecture, and enduring cultural traditions.

Tour Features and Logistics

The self-guided audio tour provides lifetime access through the VoiceMap app, allowing visitors to explore the tour’s captivating content at their own pace on Android or iOS devices. Offering offline access, the tour can be downloaded prior to the visit, ensuring a seamless experience as participants enjoy the rich history and spiritual traditions of New Orleans’ iconic cemeteries. Designed for convenience, the tour features flexible scheduling, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests are advised to bring a charged smartphone and headphones to fully enjoy the immersive experience. To reserve a spot, visitors can book now and pay later, allowing for a hassle-free planning process.

Tour Features	Details
Lifetime Access	Access the tour indefinitely through the VoiceMap app
Offline Access	Download the tour before your visit for a seamless experience
Flexible Scheduling	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Supported Devices	Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones
What to Bring	Charged smartphone and headphones

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour encourages visitors to explore the cemetery and capture its beauty and history through photography. Just be mindful of other participants and respectful of the sacred space.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it focuses on cemeteries and cemetery culture. However, families with older children interested in history and architecture may find the tour engaging.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available Along the Tour?

There are no public restroom facilities available along the self-guided cemetery tour. Visitors should plan accordingly before starting the tour. The tour route does not pass by any restroom locations within the Metairie Cemetery.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Starting Point?

The tour’s starting point at the Metairie Race Course doesn’t offer designated souvenir shops. However, visitors can explore the nearby Metairie Cemetery and may find local vendors selling commemorative items. Souvenirs are not a core part of the immersive self-guided audio experience.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible as it takes place in the open-air Metairie Cemetery. The paths are paved and can accommodate mobility devices. Visitors should check with the tour operator for any specific accessibility needs.

Recap

The ‘Stories of Faith and Courage’ audio tour offers a captivating exploration of New Orleans’ rich religious heritage.

Visitors will uncover the inspiring tales of the city’s revered saints and heroic figures, gaining profound insights into the spiritual foundations that have shaped the Crescent City’s enduring identity.

This self-guided experience provides a powerful and immersive journey through the hallowed grounds of Metairie Cemetery.