As many of you have probably noticed, New Orleans, and indeed Louisiana in general, has become what Transylvania is to Europe -- the vampire center of the United States. So, what is it about this locale that has people mesmerized, as if they were staring into a vampire's eyes?
Personally, I think alot has to do with the venerable author Anne Rice, and her decision to set Interview With the Vampire in the New Orleans area. Interview has in many ways defined modern vampire fiction -- no longer were vampires the dark, evil monsters as portrayed in Dracula, but they were now immortal humans, who had hopes, dreams, many of them dashed by their newfound vampire lives.
Ms. Rice's decision to include New Orleans and its environs as the setting of her novel was likely due in part by her familiarity of the area: she grew up and lived in New Orleans. However, having been a one-time resident of the Crescent City myself, I can say that there is a certain magic to be found there, perhaps due to its many hauntings, checkered past as the port which harbored such dangerous and nefarious trades as slavery and piracy. New Orleans also had a large population that had fled Haiti during its revolution, and thus the religion of Voodoo was introduced into the region and the US.
That, coupled with hot, very humid weather; the nearby swamps which were home to many strange and dangerous creatures (including poisonous snakes, alligators, and black widow spiders -- no doubt the cause of death of many a missing person who ventured into the Spanish-moss-covered trees never to return) -- it's no wonder the city, and Louisiana in general, has become a place of wonder and mystery.
Haunted history tours are very popular in New Orleans, the most famous of which is hosted by Sidney and Kalila Smith. You can find more information (including about the 'real' vampire that inhabited New Orleans, Jacques St. Germaine -- descendant of the legendary Compte St. Germaine) at their website, and I would like to acknowledge that the research provided in their novel, New Orleans Ghosts, Voodoo and Vampires was instrumental in writing my short story.
You can read my short story, New Orleans 1842 over at Smashwords for free.
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