Design the Capitol Grounds
Watch the video and use the resource below to build your own U.S. Capitol Building model. Take a look, gather your supplies, and let’s create a Capitol-themed craft together.
Vocabulary WordsLandscape Architect: A designer of large outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens. |
What are the Capitol Grounds?The grounds around the U.S. Capitol area public park with more than 58 acres, or 44 football fields, of land. Today the grounds are classified as an arboretum, because there are more than 100 different types of trees. There are also thousands of flowers planted on the grounds every year. |
Who designed the Capitol Grounds?The land around the Capitol was originally a wild forest, not an easy place to visit. A landscape architect named Frederick Law Olmsted designed the Capitol Grounds in 1874. He designed many famous parks across the United States, including Central Park in New York and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Today, he is known as “The Father of American Landscape Architecture.” |
How were the Capitol Grounds designed?Olmsted’s design was inspired by famous parks and gardens in Europe. His goal was to create a beautiful public green space that enhanced the beauty of the U.S. Capitol. He used curved paths to offset the straight lines of the building and planted trees that added to the sweeping views of the Capitol. He also included areas with benches so visitors could enjoy the scenery. |
Why are the Capitol Grounds important?
Congress wanted both the U.S. Capitol and the surrounding grounds to be a gathering place for the people. Olmsted felt the same way and designed the grounds as the nation’s stage and a public park for Capitol Hill neighbors, visitors and workers.
YOU WILL NEED:
- Green construction paper
- Markers or colored pencils
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Glue
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STEPS:
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