In preparation for the inauguration in January, the Olmsted Network has been busy spreading the word about the origin story of the U.S. Capitol Grounds.
Since 1801, these Grounds— designed by Frederick Law Olmsted— have been the site of presidential inaugural ceremonies, happening first on the East Front and, more recently, on the West Front facing the National Mall.
Although New York’s Central Park is routinely cited as Olmsted’s most well-known project, it is only one of the many iconic landscapes designed during his 30-year career.
Olmsted’s work as the first landscape architect of the Capitol is often overlooked, even though his grounds and terraces frame this symbol of American democracy and serve as the focus of hundreds and thousands of images— online, in newspapers, on television, here and around the world.
That’s why, last month, the Olmsted Network thought it time to reissue our brochure, “The United States Capitol Grounds—Frederick Law Olmsted’s Legacy in the Nation’s Capital” With help from Olmsted Network Board Member Steve Livengood and interns at our partner the United States Capitol Historical Society (USCHS), we distributed the brochure to all Congressional offices to ensure that its occupants understand the landscape’s rich and important history.
First released in 2008 by the Olmsted Network (then known as the National Association for Olmsted Parks), the refreshed brochure includes 14 pages discussing the grounds history as well as a two-page foldout map that pinpoints the Summerhouse and other key features of the landscape. Both editions were designed to spread awareness about the Grounds and the Olmsted firm’s legacy, especially as security and other matters increasingly threaten the grounds’ integrity and beauty. (Read about our advocacy efforts at the Capitol here.)
“Olmsted oversaw the development of the Capitol grounds for nearly 20 years, making it one of his most successful landscape designs,” says the brochure. “His vision for the Capitol was later augmented by his sons’ ambitious ideas for the Washington region as a whole.”
The revamped brochure was made possible thanks to contributions from Olmsted Network Board Member Ray Chambers, President & CEO Dede Petri and Olmsted scholar Jane Loeffler.
“My late wife Alice and I spent our careers as Congressional staff. We were constantly in and around the Capitol, and we revered the building and the grounds,” Chambers said. “I am so pleased this history has been preserved in the Olmsted Network’s excellent document.”
To view the refreshed brochure, click here. Printed copies are available upon request for a small fee.
