Get to Know Marie Laveau

Marie Laveau

Franck Schneider after George Catlin

c. 1920s

The story of her life is unclear and riddled with inaccuracies. Some say she was a hairdresser. Some say she ran a brothel. Everyone, however, calls her “The Voodoo Queen.”


Marie Laveau was born in approximately 1801 to a Caucasian planter and a free Creole woman. Records at St. Louis Cathedral indicate that she married a Haitian man named Jacques (or Santiago) Paris in 1819. Paris died under mysterious circumstances in 1820. A widow after one year of marriage, Marie took up the work of a hairdresser for the wealthy women of New Orleans—traveling from home to home in the Garden District. In this capacity, it is said, she created an elaborate system of informants from within the staffs of the households who would keep her informed of each prominent family’s business. During this time, Marie entered into a common-law marriage with Christophe Glapion with whom she had a rumored fifteen children. Many other tales have been told about Marie Laveau. Many believe she was the madam of a high-tone bawdy house while others say her establishment was a simple “boarding house.”

She is, however, remembered today for her “magic.” Considered the “Voodoo Queen,” thousands flocked to her so that they could witness her displays of sorcery first-hand. She was considered to be a psychic, though many attribute these skills to the information given to her by her network of spies. Whether or not you believe in her magic, her place in history is undeniable.

One Marie Glapion Laveau was listed as having died in 1881. Her age at death was listed as 98. The inconsistencies aren’t surprising given the less-than-scientific record-keeping of the day. She was buried in the famed, historic St. Louis Cemetery Number 1 where her monument continues to draw thousands of visitors. Those who visit Marie’s mausoleum often leave the mark, “XXX” in chalk as a remembrance of Marie.

As is often the case with people who were considered “mystical” in life, Marie was spotted after death walking the streets of the French Quarter. However, this was most likely Marie’s daughter (also named Marie) who took up her mother’s work and persona. In fact, she is often referred to as Marie Laveau II. Colorful yarns of New Orleans recount the story of a flood which washed Marie’s casket out into the streets of the Vieux Carré. Her legend continued.

Marie Laveau and her practices will figure prominently in upcoming chapters of Punch’s Cousin as Lord Julian and Robert reach New Orleans. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to “The Voodoo Queen” in case you hadn’t already met.