Lapeyrouse Cemetery, Port of Spain

Lapeyrouse Cemetery, located in the Woodbrook neighborhood of Port of Spain, is one of the city’s oldest and most storied burial grounds. Established in 1813, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history, culture, and diversity. Its name is thought to derive from Picot de la Perouse, a sugar estate owner whose land was later repurposed for the cemetery.

The cemetery’s roots stretch back to the Spanish occupation of Trinidad when an earlier burial ground, known as the "Old Cemetery," existed just east of the present site. The oldest recorded grave, dated 1745, belonged to Jean Creteau. By 1813, the "New Cemetery," as it was initially called, came into use, with sections dedicated to different religious denominations as early as 1823.

The striking arch at the main entrance, erected in 1869 on Philip Street, is a testament to the cemetery’s Victorian-era significance. Today, Lapeyrouse Cemetery is a mosaic of history, featuring Victorian crypts, modern graves, and ornate statues.

Gerald Besson, a prominent cultural historian, aptly described Lapeyrouse Cemetery as a reflection of Trinidad’s cosmopolitan population. Rows of graves bear Chinese inscriptions, while elaborate mausoleums house the French aristocracy. British influence is seen in stately monuments, and towering obelisks commemorate Freemasons from centuries past. This diversity underscores the unique cultural blend that defines Trinidad.

Lapeyrouse Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures, including Perry Gate, a Hero of Lake Erie during the American War of Independence. He died of malaria in 1819 while traveling to Trinidad and was honored with a hero’s funeral by Governor Sir Ralph Woodford. Another prominent figure interred here is Michel-Jean Cazabon, Trinidad’s celebrated 19th-century artist, who passed away in 1888.

To visitors used to pristine cemeteries, Lapeyrouse may seem chaotic with its worn headstones and weathered monuments. Yet, its "old-world" charm and timeless character make it a must-see for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the lives and legacies that shaped Port of Spain and Trinidad.