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The United States Capitol Grounds

1874 to 1892
Frederick Law Olmsted, Landscape Architect
Washington D.C., USA

Plan for the United States Capitol Grounds "The ground is in design part of the Capitol, but in all respects subsidiary to the central structure" --Olmsted

Over 100 varieties of trees and bushes are planted on 58.8 acres around the Capitol. Curved walkways offer a soothing contrast to the straight, neoclassical lines of the building. Olmsted planned careful groupings of trees and shubbery which allowed unobstructed views. He used sculpture sparingly.

Often called the father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted pioneered the development of public parks in America. Many of his designs were inspired by European parks, gardens, and estates.

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