Capitol Square, SW
Historical Information
U.S. Botanic Garden
Architecture by Bennett, Parsons & Frost, 1933
Easily recognized by the sparkling glass dome of its Conservatory, the U.S. Botanic Garden, overlooking the National Mall, is located near the U.S. Capitol. Visitors can enjoy year round the verdant atmosphere of indoor and outdoor gardens and see plants from around the world. Walk through jungle, desert, oasis, and Jurassic forest habitats and colorful fragrant exhibits about medicinal, economic, and endangered plants. Outdoor exhibits include theme gardens for the home landscape, a mid-Atlantic native plant garden, a rose garden, and the historic Bartholdi Fountain. A variety of programs and tours are offered throughout the year. There is no charge for admission.
Bartholdi Fountain & Park
Sculpture by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
The Bartholdi Fountain, designed by Frenchman Frédéric Bartholdi (1834-1904) for the U.S. Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, was purchased by the government in 1876, and relocated to this park in 1932. Bartholdi's most famous American work is the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor. The fountain's base features aquatic monsters and fishes while three classical caryatids uphold a wide basin. Originally lighted by gas lamps, the fountain made a lively display of fire and water at
this page online
The gardens in Bartholdi Park are designed to honor this great fountain as well as to inspire visitors with its home demonstration gardens. Each garden illustrates design principles and displays plant combinations for a variety of themes and styles, each of a size and scale suitable for the urban or suburban home. Changing seasonal display beds feature outstanding annuals and perennials.
Back
Map of area landmarks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 38° 53.264′ N, 77° 0.727′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Capitol Hill. Marker is on 1st Street Southwest near Independence Avenue Southwest, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Medicinal Natives (within shouting distance of this marker); Citrus (within shouting distance of this marker); Grains (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to a Sustainable Landscape (about 300 feet away); Bartholdi Fountain (about 300 feet away); United States Botanic Garden
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 22, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 176 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 22, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
