Josie Arlington Research Paper

Many cities in America boast places that hold mysterious poltergeists and haunted mausoleums, but none of them have more supernatural beings than New Orleans. From a ghostly prostitute to a queen of black magic to a roving rug-rat, New Orleans is filled to the brim with paranormal sightings and experiences.
One example of local folklore is the life of Josie Arlington, who led a pretty messed up life. She was living off money that she got from prostituting herself, but she knew that she could not live like that forever. So, she decided to live off the money made by the man that was taking advantage of her. Josie then became a self-proclaimed "Madam." Later in her life, fixated on her oncoming death, she made a purchase that shocked the people of New Orleans: she bought a plot of land in the most upscale cemetery, Metairie Cemetery, where she is buried to this day. Many sinister things have happened at her tomb. Spectators recount that the urns on top of her tomb lit by themselves with no one else around. …show more content…
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the burial place of Marie LaVeau, also known as the "Voodoo Queen" by locals. The actual life of Marie was besmirched by folklore, but there are verified records of her existence. She was, and still is, the role model for all things voodoo. People even go to her tomb seeking help with voodoo rituals. She not only practiced voodoo while she was alive, but she also frequently wanders her own cemetery, wearing a red and white turban with many knots. She usually is mumbling a voodoo curse upon trespassers, as the condition of the cemetery due to vandalism alarms her. Marie is also said to have been seen as a large, black cat. She was supposedly buried with her pet snake, and passers-by claim to have seen a large ghost of a snake draped over Marie's tomb. Many people, as well as coming to her to gather voodoo advice, bring "peace offerings" and make wishes to