New Britain in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Frederick Law Olmstead

Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 29, 2011

1. Frederick Law Olmstead Marker

Inscription. Frederick Law Olmstead 1822 – 1903 Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, the nineteenth century visionary who founded the profession of landscape architecture, is responsible for the overall design of Walnut Hill Park. Influenced by the parks of Europe and his native New England landscape, the design for Walnut Hill Park was typical of his work, creating a rural experience in the city. Although many components of the design were not carried out, the park owes its overall character and form to the plan. The map in the center of this rotunda depicts the Olmstead and Vaux plan. Prior to its development as a park, Walnut Hill was a barren hilltop, lacking vegetation or amenities.
Walnut Hill Park may have been one the firm's earliest commissions after New York's Central Park, adding to the national importance of the park.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Olmstead moved to the New York City area in 1848 and settled in Brookline, Mass., in the early 1880's. His designs number in the hundreds and include New York's Central Park, the Boston Park System and the United States Capitol Grounds.
Olmstead is buried in Old North Cemetery in Hartford, Connecticut.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.

Location.

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41° 39.98′ N, 72° 47.207′ W. Marker is in New Britain in Capitol Region, Connecticut. It can be reached from the intersection of West Main Street and Cedar Street, on the left when traveling west. Located in Walnut Hill Park, on the wall of the rotunda with the "Original Design of Walnut Hill Park" marker at its center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Britain CT 06052, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley,

in Greater Hartford,

and in the Knowledge Corridor.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Hartford County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Seth E. Case (here, next to this marker); William A. Churchill (here, next to this marker); Cornelius B. Erwin (here, next to this marker); George M. Landers (here, next to this marker); Frederick H. North (here, next to this marker); Henry E. Russell (here, next to this marker); Frederick T. Stanley (here, next to this marker); Original Design of Walnut Hill Park (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Britain.

Also see . . . Frederick Law Olmstead on Wikipedia. (Submitted on April 17, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed by Michael Herrick, March 29, 2011

2. Frederick Law Olmstead Marker

The marker is second from the left (not counting the missing plaque).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,308 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2011, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.