Frederick Law Olmsted
description: In 1783, the Senate Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds commissioned Olmsted, who had co-designed Central Park in New York City, to design the grounds of the Capitol. Olmsted created a park-like plan that complimented the Capitol building. His plan added marble terraces on the northern, western, and southern sides of the building, and a summerhouse for visitors on the side near the Mall. Olmsted's career designing park systems and as an urban planner influenced design plans for the National Mall into the 1900s.
creator: Frederick Law Olmsted
source: Architect of the Capitol. View original image.
coverage: 1860-1889