The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Andrew Jackson Downing
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, 2008
1. Inscription on Downing Vase (Urn) Pedestal, 1856
This vase was erected by his friends in memory of
He was born, and lived, and died upon the Hudson River. His life was devoted to the improvement of the national taste in rural art, an office for which his genius and the natural beauty amidst which he lived had fully endowed him.
His success was as great as his genius, and for the death of few public men was public grief ever more sincere.
When these grounds were proposed, he was at once called to design them; but before they were completed he perished in the wreck of the steamer, Henry Clay.
His mind was singularly just, penetrating, and original. His manners were calm, reserved, and courteous. His personal memory belongs to the friends who loved him; his fame to the country which honors and laments him.
Erected 1856 by His Friends and the Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Notable Places. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1942.
Location. 38° 53.301′ N, 77° 1.527′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Andrew Jackson Downing Urn (here, next to this marker); The Fountain Garden (a few steps from this marker); Spencer Fullerton Baird (a few steps from this marker); Threats to Coral Reefs (within shouting distance of this marker); Before the National Air and Space Museum opened (within shouting distance of this marker); Enid A. Haupt Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Built above an underground museum complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Yinka Shonibare MBE (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia entry for Andrew Jackson Downing. (Submitted on July 6, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Constantine Seferlis. ... master sculptor and stone carver whose works exemplified a group of public monumental artists in the United States during the second half of the 20th century. (Submitted on August 30, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, June 08
2. Andrew Jackson Downing Urn
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, June 2008
3. Enid A. Haupt Garden, south side of Smithsonian Castle
Downing Urn and marker are in trees, middle right of photo.
Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, September 5, 2016
4. Andrew Jackson Downing Markers
The original urn inscription is hard to see with the surrounding plants.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, June 2008
5. Enid Anneberg Haupt (1906-2005)
Philantropist and publishing heiress, Enid A. Haupt donated millions of dollars to support public gardens and other green spaces in Washington, DC, New York, and around the world.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, June 2008
6. Haupt Garden, view toward Independence Avenue
Entrance to Smithsonian's Museum of African Art, left; the Renwick Gate, right; the James V. Forrestal Bldg. (U.S. Dept. of Energy), behind, across Independence, Ave.
Photographed By Wikipedia
7. Andrew Jackson Downing
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 4,079 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on August 28, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 6, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4. submitted on September 13, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. 5, 6. submitted on July 6, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 7. submitted on October 31, 2009, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
