Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Olmsted Walk

Smithsonian's National Zoo

— 125 Years —

Olmsted Walk Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2017

1. Olmsted Walk Marker

Inscription.
Evolved from carriageway to walkway, our main visitor path named for Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned landscape architect who designed the basic layout and flow of the Zoo. Olmsted's legacy is found in the green spaces, natural atmosphere and curves that create changing views with a focus on landscape, not architecture.

In the late 1880s, Frederick Law Olmsted was approached by the Smithsonian to provide "preliminary counsel" for designing the National Zoo. Olmsted is said to have replied promptly and enthusiastically, saying the area selected for the Zoo was one of great natural beauty which he had known for 30 years and had hoped would be turned into a park.

Erected by Smithsonian Institution.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 38° 55.854′ N, 77° 3.194′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. Marker is on Olmsted Walk. On the grounds of the Smithsonian National Zoological Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20008, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. An Invasive Fish (within shouting distance of this marker); Red Pandas (within shouting distance of this marker); Max Kampelman (within shouting distance of this marker); Giant Panda (within shouting distance of this marker); Farmers and Felines (within shouting distance of this marker); Optimism for the Oryx (within shouting distance of this marker); Saving Species Through Science (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Back in Business (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

Additional keywords. landscape architecture

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 11, 2022

2. Olmsted Walk Marker

Unfortunately, the marker has weathered significantly.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2017

3. Olmsted Walk Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 352 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on December 11, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.