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  YOU ARE HERE>> Architect of the Capitol/Capitol Complex/Grounds
 
January 2, 2009
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Grounds
United States Capitol Grounds
 About the United States Capitol Grounds
 

Each year, 3-5 million visitors come to the United States Capitol.  On the way, they pass detailed sculptural walls, trees carefully planted to provide visitors the best views of the Capitol, plantings that commemorate Americans throughout history, and walkways that appear on the $50 bill.  The United States Capitol Grounds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (also known for designing Central Park and the National Zoo), are as important to American history as the Capitol building itself.  By 1877, 7,837 plants and trees been set out accordng to Olmsted's plan. The photos below highlight features of the grounds that you can expect to see on your visit:

A P P R O A C H E S

Approaches to the U.S. Capitol

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A R R I V A L S

Arrivals at the Capitol Grounds

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C L O S E - U P S

Olmsted Wall

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H O R T I C U L T U R E

Pink Dogwoods

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Description and History
Overhead view of Capitol Grounds seen from southwest

The Capitol Grounds cover approximately 274 acres. The areas not occupied by the buildings of the Capitol complex are comprised chiefly of lawns, walkways, streets, drives, and planting areas.

 
 

Intro to Capitol GroundQuick Facts About the U.S. Capitol Grounds

Originally a wooded wilderness, the U.S. Capitol Grounds today provide a park-like setting for the Nation's Capitol, offering a picturesque counterpoint to the building's formal architecture. The grounds immediately surrounding the Capitol are bordered by a stone wall and cover an area of 58.8 acres.

Their boundaries are Independence Avenue on the south, Constitution Avenue on the north, First Street NE/SE on the east, and First Street NW/SW on the west.

Over 100 varieties of trees and bushes are planted around the Capitol, and thousands of flowers are used in seasonal displays.

In contrast to the building's straight, neoclassical lines, most of the walkways in the grounds are curved.

Benches along the paths offer pleasant spots for visitors to appreciate the building, its landscape, and the surrounding areas, most notably the Mall to the west. 

 
 
 
Capitol Christmas Trees
2000 Christmas Tree
The 2000 Capitol Christmas Tree (31k)		The decoration and lighting of an evergreen tree on the Capitol's west lawn during the Christmas season is a tradition almost 40 years old.
 
Satellite Map of the U.S. Capitol Grounds (Google)
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