Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Olmsted Walk
National Zoo History
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, February 17, 2025
1. Olmsted Walk Marker
Evolved from carriageway to walkway, our main visitor path was 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.
[Captions:]
Looking across Rock Creek toward what is now Lion/Tiger Hill. This is believed to be the earliest image of what would become the Zoo.
F.L. Olmsted & Co. preliminary study, June 2, 1890
As late as the 1950s, the Zoo's main path was a road for cars.
Architect Frederick Law Olmsted (in the light suit) discusses the Zoo's layout with Smithsonian officials.
Erected by Smithsonian National Zoological Park Conservation Biology Institute.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
this page online
Location. 38° 55.72′ N, 77° 2.842′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. It is on Olmsted Walk east of Connecticut Avenue Northwest, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington DC 20008, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 the North Atlantic Region, 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: How to Drink Coffee and Save Birds (a few steps from this marker); Bald Eagle (a few steps from this marker); A Fiberglass Film Star (a few steps from this marker); Ostrich / Domestic Horse (a few steps from this marker); Lions and Tigers (a few steps from this marker); Prairie Dogs (within shouting distance of this marker); Black-footed Ferret / Giraffe (within shouting distance of this marker); Maned Wolf / Przewalski's Horse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Other markers no longer nearby. A Hollywood Legend at the Zoo? (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Book That Brought a Dinosaur to Life (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Additional keywords.
Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, February 17, 2025
2. Olmsted Walk Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 175 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2025, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.
