Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Olmsted Walk
Smithsonian's National Zoo
| | 125 Years | |
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.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles.
Location. 38° 55.671′ N, 77° 2.816′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. It is on Olmsted Walk 0.2 miles west of North Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker
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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Easter Monday (a few steps from this marker); Lions and Tigers (within shouting distance of this marker); Prairie Dogs (within shouting distance of this marker); Black-footed Ferret / Giraffe (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); How to Drink Coffee and Save Birds (about 300 feet away); Ostrich / Domestic Horse (about 300 feet away); Maned Wolf / Przewalski's Horse (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Olmsted Walk (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 407 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
