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synopsis

The Olmsted firm work on Mount Vernon Square, now referred to as Mount Vernon Place, involved both generations of the Olmsted firm - first in 1876 and then a quarter of a century later in 1903. Although dismissed in favor of a simpler and less costly plan, Frederick Law Olmsted’s initial 1876 proposal for Mount Vernon Square showcased his attention to cohesive simplicity.

The Olmsted firm work on Mount Vernon Square, now referred to as Mount Vernon Place, involved both generations of the Olmsted firm - first in 1876 and then a quarter of a century later in 1903. Although dismissed in favor of a simpler and less costly plan, Frederick Law Olmsted’s initial 1876 proposal for Mount Vernon Square showcased his attention to cohesive simplicity. The X-shaped square, featuring Robert Mills Washington Monument in the center, created 4 symmetrical plots of land for Olmsted to design. Concerned by the narrowness of the north, south, east, and west squares, he proposed removing the existing trees and fences and adding “a distinct line of architectural masonry” so “the grounds would appear much more distinctly detached”. To create an even greater sense of individuality he recommended adding wall fountains where “the design in each case should be significant of one of the four seasons.” The City of Baltimore ultimately hired him to design only the North and South squares. The correspondence and sketches can be found in the correspondence under job 02401.

In 1903, the Olmsted Brothers became re-involved with Mount Vernon Square, helping to place General Howard’s Equestrian Monument, determining the best location for its installment to be “a site South of the Washington Monument.” Pushback from the park committee about the cost of the scheme forced them to revise their plan and place the statue north of the monument. Plan 02403-z3 shows the proposed remodel of the North Square to best accommodate the statue's pedestal.

[Frederick Law Olmsted to T. M. Lanahan, Esq._1876-12-31_ Papers of Flo-v.7-p.269&270] [Olmsted Brothers to Theodore Marburg_1903-01-14_LOC-OAR-B_02403-im.3]

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