(history continued)
Three years after Olmsted's death in 1903, a House and Garden article documented the innovative design for the Capitol Grounds. Here the author summarizes that "the effect of Olmsted's design was (1) to close harmoniously the gap between the Capitol and the grounds and realize the merits of both, and (2) to add to the apparent height of the building and give it the appearance of a stable foundation." The author goes on to note that, "the planting in general has been skillfully planned so as to preserve and enhance the best views of the building. As a result the visitor can enjoy direct front views of the central portion and dome from opposite sides, and agreeable diagonal views of the entire east and west fronts from four vantage points." (John Nolan, House and Garden, 1906)
While some aspects of the landscape design have been compromised over
time or are currently in poor condition, the design intent remains and
possesses a high degree of integrity. In fact, in comparison to Olmsted's
other public commissions, the Capitol Grounds remain one of the most intact
Frederick Law Olmsted designs in the United States. Unfortunately, if
the new Capitol Visitor Center is constructed according to the proposed
plan, visitors will descend18 feet to a new entrance below an allee of
trees without a direct front view to the dome - thus changing a central
tenet of Olmsted's design.
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