Frederick Law Olmsted

Frederick Law Olmsted was an American landscape architect. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1822. He designed Central Park in New York City and many other famous parks. He is considered the father of American landscape architecture.

Early Life

Olmsted loved nature and the outdoors from a young age. He worked as a farmer, journalist, and book publisher before becoming a landscape architect. He traveled through the American South and wrote about what he saw. He believed that parks could improve the lives of people in cities.

Central Park and Beyond

In 1858, Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won a competition to design Central Park. The park became one of the most visited places in the world. Olmsted went on to design hundreds of parks and green spaces across the country. He also helped preserve Yosemite Valley and Niagara Falls.

Fun Facts

• Olmsted designed Central Park in New York City, which covers over 840 acres.
• He designed the grounds around the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
• He helped start the movement to preserve America's natural wonders.

Did You Know?

Frederick Law Olmsted believed that everyone, rich or poor, deserved access to beautiful green spaces. He called parks the 'lungs of the city' because they provided fresh air and a place to relax.