Louisiana is known for having a rich and vast history, and evidence of the state’s history can be found within structures and artifacts that withstand the tests of time.
In addition to history, the state also has deep roots when it comes to culture, with numerous ethnic backgrounds blending together throughout the state.
It’s both history and culture that have led to some impressive and interesting monuments, ones that can be visited today in Louisiana.
6 unusual monuments in Louisiana according to Atlas Obscura. What to know
From Voodoo gates to memorials and museums, these are six unusual monuments in Louisiana that are worth visiting.
New Orleans AIDS Memorial
New Orleans AIDS Memorial, located at 2148-2198 Dauphine St., is housed within Washington Square Park along the Dauphine Street fence. Designed by Tim Tate, the New Orleans AIDS Memorial was unveiled in 2008 alongside neighboring benches and memorial bricks, offering a place to reflect and understand the human toll of the AIDS epidemic.
Moriarty Monument in New Orleans
Moriarty Monument, located at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., is the tallest monument in New Orleans’ historic Metairie Cemetary, towering at a height of 80 feet. The monument was commissioned by Daniel A. Moriarty to honor his late wife, and to ‘show up’ the community that rejected him. Moriarty, who emigrated from Ireland to New Orleans, was disallowed from integrating into the city’s high society.
Tomb of the Unknown Slave in New Orleans
Tomb of the Unknown Slave in New Orleans, located within the St. Augustine Churchyard at 1020 Henriette Delille St., is an iron cross made of giant chains and hung with shackles that honors the unknown individuals who died under American slavery. Installed in 2004, the monument was inspired by the number of unmarked graves unearthed in the city over the years.
Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland
Inside the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland, Louisiana.
Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland, located at 2463 Main St., is a museum dedicated to the partners in love and crime, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, found just a few miles from where the couple met their demise. The couple made headlines throughout the U.S. in the 1930s as they roamed around robbing, stealing and shooting.
Manchac Swamp Bridge in Ponchatoula
Manchac Swamp Bridge, along Interstate 55 in Ponchatoula, is one of the longest water bridges in the world, measuring 22.8 miles, that was built in 1979 over a supposedly haunted swamp. The swamp is believed by some to be haunted by a Rougarou, a Cajun folklore creature, and a Voodoo princess.
The Gates of Guinee in New Orleans
Some Voodoo practioners in New Orleans believe that the seven Gates of Guinee can be found throughout the city. Within the teachings of Voodoo, the souls of the dead reside in a region of the underworld known as Guinee and, during the sympolic period of the seven days after death, the soul passes through one gate followed by another. The supposed Gates of Guinee in New Orleans include the Canal Street crossroads, Saint Louis Cemetary No. 1, Saint Louis Cemetary No. 2, the tomb of Marie Laveau, Greenwood Cemetery, Cypress Grove Cemetery and St Patrick Cemetery.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here are 6 of the coolest monuments and memorials in Louisiana
