Olmsted Archives
Beginning with Frederick Law Olmsted's plan for the U.S. Capitol grounds and the expansion of DC streets, the Olmsted Firm has shaped the public landscape of the District of Columbia. This work ranges from city planning to detailed design for site features. Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. served on the McMillan Commission, later the Fine Arts Commission, and was the major contributor to their recommendations for improvements to the DC park system. Over time, this led to 75 individual job numbers, many of which – such as the Fine Arts Commission – include several individual design projects. In some cases, key projects started by Frederick Law Olmsted were continued by his sons and successors. For those wishing to visit Olmsted-designed landscapes in D.C., a sample is listed below.
Selected ProjectsCity and Regional PlanningDistrict of Columbia Street System Public Parks and Monuments National Zoo The Mall Rock Creek Park Union Square & Grant Monument McMillan Park Washington Rose Garden, Potomac Park FDR Memorial (proposed) Washington Monument Grounds Fine Arts Commission (White House, Roosevelt Island, Jefferson Memorial, and others) Grounds of Public Buildings U.S. Capitol Grounds U.S. Bureau of Standards Academic Campuses American University Catholic University Trinity College Saint Joseph's Seminary Gallaudet College Industrial Home School Religious Properties Washington Cathedral National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Residential Communties Chevy Chase Land Company Institutional Grounds St. Elizabeth's Hospital |
Last updated: September 20, 2024