By Matthew Evans, FASLA; Senior Landscape Architect and Horticulturist

A visit to our nation’s Capitol Grounds can feed the soul, swell the chest with patriotism and please the eye. The 59-acre square of land that surrounds the world-famous Capitol building is unique. It is only about 13 percent of today’s 450 acres that comprise the Capitol Grounds. As our country has grown, so has the size of the Capitol Complex.

The Capitol Grounds are open to visitors. There are no walls or fences. They are the verdant, reverent and beautiful outdoor setting for the world’s symbol of freedom and democracy – the Capitol with its magnificent dome, crowned by the Statue of Freedom. The Capitol Grounds are an arboretum – containing more than 4,000 trees representing many genera and species. The Capitol Grounds are the site of national events The property also serves as a place of repose for Members of Congress, constituents and visitors from around the globe.

The Capitol Grounds feature spectacular horticultural elements, and also a brilliantly designed landscape and architectural features, such as: marble terraces, the Summer House, many and varied displays of water, stone-carved walls and pylons, historic wrought-iron trolley waiting stations, a carillon, and outdoor lighting fixtures that were popular in the late 19th century.

In 1874, the renowned landscape architect of Central Park in New York City, Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) designed the 59-acre square surrounding the Capitol – referred to now as the Capitol Square. I am not alone in considering his layout a work of genius. It remains, as Olmsted wished, to show off the architecture and grandeur of the Capitol building in a supporting way. In Olmsted’s mind the architecture of the building should be primary, the landscape secondary.

The original spirit of the Olmsted design remains to this day. The layout of walkways and roads is geometric, while at the same time the layout of trees and plantings is naturalistic. The layout and proportions of landscape elements continue to function well today, though the design was completed in the horse-and-buggy days of the 19th century.

Visitors will find that many of the trees on the Capitol Grounds are labeled with scientific names as well as common names. Commemorative or memorial trees are marked with plaques which include the person, place or event being paid tribute; the date the tree was planted; and the name of the Member of Congress who sponsored the tree planting.

Those who explore the Capitol Grounds will enjoy an uplifting experience, and can also visit magnificent gardens at the adjacent U.S. Botanic Garden and other iconic buildings in the Capitol Complex. Public parking is limited in the area. However, the Capitol Grounds are served by public transportation. Nearby Metrorail stations include the Red line at Union Station, the Orange/Blue lines at Federal Center Southwest, and the Orange/Blue lines at Capitol South. Several Metro bus routes also are available within walking distance, and taxi service is available. I encourage you to come experience the beauty, symbolism and history of the Grounds for yourself.