Frederick Law Olmstead
Landscape Architect Who Designed Forsyth Park
Frederick Law Olmsted was born in 1822, and is regarded as the founder of landscape architecture in America. Accredited with several major works in his career, his impact is prominent throughout the entire country. Some of Olmstead’s most well known works include the grounds of New York City’s Central Park, the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C, North Carolina’s Biltmore Estate, and our very own Forsyth Park in Savannah.
Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Frederick Law Olmsted was slated to attend Yale College after completing his schooling in the nearby countryside. However, he was unable to attend due to falling ill from sumac poisoning, which impacted his eyes. Instead of attending Yale, Olmsted spent the subsequent twenty years working various jobs. Between working as a farmer in Staten Island, New York, and writer, journalist, and businessman, Olmsted kept himself busy and was by all accounts considered successful.
In 1857, Olmsted pivoted his career to landscape architecture after winning a design competition in partnership with Calvert Vaux. Vaux was a well known English-American architect and landscape designer, but his rise to fame came after partnering with Olmsted on this project. Together, they worked on high profile projects that set their career on their path to success.
Olmsted’s career in landscape design and architecture took off after working on the Central Park project for several years. By 1873, he had been made responsible for designing the U.S. Capitol grounds, and delivered a visually appealing and functional design that celebrated the building. His design incorporated a symmetrical design, and a marble terrace that provided the best views from the building. While his design was completed within two years of project inception, construction was delayed and was not completed until 1892.
In addition to the many projects Olmsted took on, he was also an active conservationist. Being based in California at that time, Olmsted lobbied for the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove to be designated as public land reserves. He then went on to serve in the Board of Commissioners for one year, and devoted his time and efforts to making a case for Congress to protect and reserve public lands. His efforts were not just centered around California, though. In 1880, he was an active proponent in the motion to preserve the Niagara Falls area of New York, as it was being threatened by increased industrialization.
In 1895, at the age of 73, Olmsted finally retired. His 30+ year career in landscape architecture, design, and conservation touched many different realms and geographical areas. From public parks to residential suburbs, Known as the “father of American Landscape Architecture”, Olmstead positively impacted many natural landscapes we still treasure today.
Olmsted’s two sons, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and John Charles Olmstead continued their father’s legacy as they, too, became landscape architects. After his death, his sons continued to work through the Olmsted Brothers firm. Together, they continued to work on prominent projects throughout the country, but their efforts are often mistakenly accredited to their father’s name.
