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363 Photos

New Orleans is well known for the unique way in which its dead are buried - in above ground cemeteries and mausoleums. Because much of the city is at or below sea level, there is a high water table in the soil. If a body or coffin is placed in an in-ground tomb in New Orleans, there is risk of it being water-logged or even displaced from the ground. For this reason, the people of New Orleans have generally used above-ground tombs. Over the years as designs have evolved, these tombs have become architecturally, culturally, and historically distinct.

New Orleans is well known for the unique way in which its dead are buried - in above ground cemeteries and mausoleums. Because much of the city is at or below sea level, there is a high water table in the soil. If a body or coffin is placed in an in-ground tomb in New Orleans, there is risk of it being water-logged or even displaced from the ground. For this reason, the people of New Orleans have generally used above-ground tombs. Over the years as designs have evolved, these tombs have become architecturally, culturally, and historically distinct.

Steamboat rides on the Mississippi River are popular with both tourists and locals.

Steamboat rides on the Mississippi River are popular with both tourists and locals.

Mule-drawn carriage rides are an iconic and popular way to tour the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Mule-drawn carriage rides are an iconic and popular way to tour the French Quarter of New Orleans.

The Carroll-Crawford House in the Garden District of New Orleans.

The Carroll-Crawford House in the Garden District of New Orleans.

Colonel Short's Villa on Fourth Street in the Garden District of New Orleans.

Colonel Short's Villa on Fourth Street in the Garden District of New Orleans.

An unusual cornstalk and morning glory cast iron fence surrounds the Colonel Short Villa located on the corner of Fourth and Prytania Street in the Garden District of New Orleans.

An unusual cornstalk and morning glory cast iron fence surrounds the Colonel Short Villa located on the corner of Fourth and Prytania Street in the Garden District of New Orleans.

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in what would become the United States. Founded in 1720, it is dedicated to Saint Louis, who was also King Louis IX of France (r. 1226-1270).

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in what would become the United States. Founded in 1720, it is dedicated to Saint Louis, who was also King Louis IX of France (r. 1226-1270).

Cape Cod beach, North Eastham, Massachusetts.

Cape Cod beach, North Eastham, Massachusetts.

Sunrise Over Crater Lake, Oregon. A view from the top of Watchman Peak, just before sunrise. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

Sunrise Over Crater Lake, Oregon. A view from the top of Watchman Peak, just before sunrise. Photo courtesy of the US National Park Service.

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