|
| Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print | | Capitol Hill in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic) |
|
United States Capitol Grounds
|
| | | | 
By Richard E. Miller, February 21, 2010 | |
| | | 1. United States Capitol Grounds Marker | | |
Inscription.
[Diagram of Capitol Square - East and West Plazas]
General Plan for the Improvement of the U.S. Capitol Grounds by Frederick Law Olmstead, 1874
Following the extension of the Capitol in the 1850s-1860s, the grounds were enlarged in 1872. In 1874 Congress commissioned Frederick Law Olmstead to design landscape improvements, and he soon produced this drawing which guided the project over the next two decades. He described the plan as “very simple, with the purpose of its perfect subordination in interest to the architectural design of the Capitol.” Olmstead’s objective was to provide a dignified “park-like” setting for the Capitol, with groupings of trees and expansive vistas designed to set the Capitol square apart, as an oasis from the surrounding, developing city. Today the grounds have evolved into an arboretum with hundreds of mature botanical specimens - many of which are rarely seen elsewhere.
1. Granite Lamp Piers & Bronze Fountains
Bay of Fundy Granite was used for the massive piers that Olmstead designed to hold bronze, gas-burning light fixtures. Electric sparks from copper wires and a remote battery originally ignited the lamps. The piers were constructed in 1875. Olmstead also designed the large granite basins, within which bronze fountains | | | | 
By Richard E. Miller, February 21, 2010 | |
| | | 2. Granite Lamp Piers and Bronze Fountains | | |
created rainbows by fine water sprays; the effect was continued at night under gas lights. The bronze was cast in 1875 by Janes, Kirkland, and Company of New York, the same firm that cast most of the ironwork for the Capitol dome. The lamps, piers, fountains and basins were restored during the Capitol Visitor Center construction project.
2. The Olmstead Terrace
Constructed in 1884-1892 on the north, west and south sides of the Capitol the marble terrace provided a strong visual platform, correcting the illusion that the massive building was about to slide down Capitol Hill. It also added much needed-space for storage, shops, and committee rooms.
3. Summerhouse
Constructed in 1879-1889, the Summerhouse offered visitors a shaded place to rest, admire views of the Capitol, and have a drink of water. Olmstead’s principal architectural assistant, Thomas Wisedell, was the designer. The Summerhouse is a tribute to the bricklayer’s craft - constructed of carved and radial brick, creating elaborate architectural features. Nestled in the hillside, the structure features a “grotto” with running water that, along with the central fountains, adds a cooling affect during the summer.
Erected 2009.
Location. 38° 53.441′ N, 77° | | | | 
By Richard E. Miller, February 21, 2010 | |
| | | 3. Olmstead Terrace, U.S. Capitol, west face | | |
0.383′ W. Marker is in Capitol Hill, District of Columbia, in Washington. Marker can be reached from 1st Street, NE north of East Capitol Street. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20004, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. United States Capitol (a few steps from this marker); The Old Brick Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); Residence of Albert Gallatin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Naval Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Acacia Life Insurance Building – 1936 (approx. 0.3 miles away); James A. Garfield (approx. 0.3 miles away); Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II (approx. 0.3 miles away); Delaware Avenue & Columbus Circle, NE (approx. 0.4 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Capitol Hill.
Additional keywords. "Ulysses S. Grant Memorial" |
| | | | 
By Richard E. Miller, February 21, 2010 | |
| | | 4. View from the Olmstead Terrace - | | the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial (center, left) on the Capitol Grounds west plaza, at the east end of the National Mall. | | |
| | | | | 
By Richard E. Miller, February 21, 2010 | |
| | | 5. The Summerhouse | | |
| | | | | 
By Richard E. Miller, February 21, 2010 | |
| | | 6. View of U.S. Capitol from the Summerhouse - after "Snowmageddon 2010" | | |
| | | | | 
By Richard E. Miller, February 21, 2010 | |
| | | 7. United States Capitol Grounds - view from near Capitol Circle, Northeast | | |
|
Credits. This page originally submitted on February 23, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 732 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on February 23, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 24, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
| | Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print |
|
Subscribe
— Privacy Policy
— Terms of Use
— About Us
— Contact Us
HMdb.org