Over 200 years ago, Acadian settlers on the Southwest Louisiana prairies practiced a unique burial tradition. On top of traditional brick-and-mortar grave markers they built houses. The
"Petites Maisons"- or "Little Houses", as they were called - incorporated nearly every detail and effort found in their full-sized homes. Cypress beams. Painted siding. Metal or shingled
rooftops. Hinged doors that locked. Even windows. It's as if the deceased were to enjoy a similar home to the one they recently left ..."Why were they built? No one knows for sure, but deep in
the heart of South Louisiana lies one of Cajun culture's greatest mysteries - cypress grave houses built over in-ground tombs, constructed with detailed windows, hinged doors, working locks and
more. Once numbering in the hundreds, only three grave houses remain.Grave House Legends comprises a photographic and journalistic exploration of the stories surrounding this unique Cajun
phenomena. Written by the executive producer of the documentary Little Houses and featuring the vivid images of one of South Louisiana's most talented photographers, Legends takes readers on a
visceral cemetery tour through the hearts and minds of one of America's most unique cultures.
