Cemeteries and burial grounds are cultural landscapes. Over 150 site defining features of the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 landscape, tombs and markers were documented .

The Survey

The cornerstone to any conservation plan is an accurate and comprehensive survey. The individual tombs, markers and landscape features of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 were documented and assessed using a descriptive survey form and illustrated survey manual developed by the Studio during the months of January through March 2001.

In March 2001, 25 students from the University of Pennsylvania traveled to New Orleans for their 1-week Spring Break. During the week, they surveyed the site. The survey included measurements of boundaries, site defining features and the topography of the land. In the tomb survey, the location, type, height, description, and features of each tomb were documented and a full material and condition assessment was made.