This is the heart of the city of New Orleans. From the very beginning of the city there has always been a church here. It is believed that the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, in her youth was persuaded by Dr John, a disreputable Hougan, to perform a Voodoo ceremony here in the square in front of the cathedral. As the drums beat wildly, Marie danced and undulated with her snake Zombi. The Voodouns danced wildly as marie became possessed by the spirit of Dambala and writhed on the ground like a snake... the church priest, outraged at this perceived blasphemy, had Marie Laveau tied to a stake and whipped here in Jackson Square. There have been no other Voodoo rituals held near the Cathedral ever since.