What is the term for the range of tombs built into the surrounding walls of a New Orleans cemetery?

The correct term for the range of tombs built into the surrounding walls of a New Orleans cemetery is "Oven Tomb." In New Orleans, due to the high water table, traditional in-ground burials are not feasible, leading to the unique practice of above-ground burials. Oven tombs are essentially mausoleums or tombs that are constructed to resemble ovens and are built into the walls of cemeteries.

These structures are designed to hold multiple remains and allow for the process of natural decomposition to occur, with the heat of the brick and the design of the tomb aiding in this process. This method is particularly prevalent in cemeteries like St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the historical significance and architectural style of oven tombs reflect the city’s unique burial traditions and its cultural heritage.

The other terms refer to different structures or concepts associated with burial practices. For instance, "catacombs" usually describe underground burial sites found in places like Rome, while "vaults" and "crypts" are more general terms that can refer to any above-ground burial chamber, usually used for mausoleums or in churches. Understanding the unique characteristics of New Orleans cemeteries is crucial in distinguishing these terms.