The Lantern Media Group

Serving the Carolinas and beyond follow us for the history and mysteries but stick around for the inside scoop on the destinations, food and dining, and attractions.

Follow Me

The Voodoo Queen

Marie Laveau led an everyday life, giving birth to many children, before her partner, a white man named Christophe Dominick Duminy de Glapion, passed away in 1855.

After his death, Laveau ceased working as a hairdresser and became a homemaker, allowing her to devote more time to her children. She then embarked on a new career as a voodoo practitioner under the guidance of “Doctor John” or “John Bayou.”

Laveau lived on St. Anne Street in the French Quarter during this time. Some believe that her strong relationships with her clients, as a hairdresser, led to her success as a diviner.

Mary Laveau died on June 15, 1881, at eighty-six.

Before her tomb became off-limits to everyone in 2015, except for tour groups, her final resting place became a legend. Local legends stated that visitors would have their wishes granted if they drew three Xs on the tomb, turned around three times, knocked on it, and said their wishes.

Laveau is buried at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Written By: John G. Clark Jr