Olmsted's Journey: From Journalist To Renowned Landscape Architect

how did frederick law olmsted become a landscaper

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) was an American landscape architect, journalist, social critic, and public administrator. He is considered the father of landscape architecture in the United States. Olmsted's career path took many turns, including working as an apprentice seaman, merchant, and journalist, before he settled on a farm on Staten Island. His father, John Olmsted, was a prosperous merchant with a keen interest in nature, people, and places, which he passed on to his son. Olmsted's early life experiences and influences, particularly his father's appreciation for nature, laid the foundation for his aesthetic theories and approach to landscape design. He believed in the healing and transformative power of nature and sought to create intentional, multi-dimensional landscapes that promoted peace and well-being. Olmsted's notable projects include New York City's Central Park, Prospect Park, Boston's Emerald Necklace, and the Biltmore Estate.

Characteristics Values
Born 26 April 1822
Died 28 August 1903
Father John Olmsted
Mother Charlotte Law (née Hull) Olmsted
Spouse Mary Cleveland Perkins
Notable Projects New York City's Central Park, Prospect Park, Boston's Emerald Necklace, 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, landscape design for Biltmore
Known as Father of American Landscape Architecture

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Olmsted's early life and career path

Frederick Law Olmsted was born on April 26, 1822, in Hartford, Connecticut, to John Olmsted, a prosperous merchant, and Charlotte Law (née Hull) Olmsted. Olmsted's mother died from an overdose before his fourth birthday in 1826. His father remarried in 1827 to Mary Ann Bull, who shared his love of nature. Olmsted's early life was marked by his father's interest in nature, which he passed on to his son.

Olmsted's career path took several turns before he became a landscaper. He worked as an apprentice seaman, merchant, and journalist, eventually settling on a 125-acre farm on Staten Island in 1848. He also had a significant career in journalism, writing and publishing several books and working as an editor and managing editor for various magazines.

Olmsted's interest in landscape design was sparked by his travels. In 1850, he travelled to Europe and the British Isles, visiting numerous parks, private estates, and scenic countryside. In 1852, he published his first book, 'Walks and Talks of an American Farmer in England', inspired by his travels. This, along with his subsequent writings, helped him gain additional work.

In 1857, Olmsted became the superintendent of a new public works project: New York's Central Park. He partnered with architect Calvert Vaux to submit a design for the park, which they won. During the complex project, Olmsted evolved into an expert in park and landscape planning.

Olmsted went on to become a sought-after landscape designer, creating numerous iconic greenspaces across America, including Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Boston's Emerald Necklace, and the grounds of Stanford University. He established what is considered the first full-time landscape architecture firm in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1883.

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Olmsted's father's influence

John Olmsted, Frederick Law Olmsted's father, was a prosperous merchant with a keen interest in nature, people, and places. He would often take his son on trips through the countryside to study landscapes, and young Frederick would accompany him, inheriting his father's fascination for the beauty of nature. John Olmsted's influence on his son's career path was significant, as Frederick Law Olmsted would go on to become a renowned landscape architect, known as the "father of landscape architecture" in the United States.

John Olmsted's interest in nature and scenery had a profound impact on his son's career choice. From a young age, Frederick was exposed to his father's passion for exploring the countryside and appreciating the beauty of natural landscapes. John Olmsted would take his son on short rides through the countryside around their home in Hartford, Connecticut, and as Frederick grew older, these excursions expanded into annual "tours in search of the picturesque." By the age of sixteen, Frederick had travelled through the Connecticut Valley, the White Mountains, up the Hudson River, and westward to the Adirondacks, Lake George, and Niagara Falls.

John Olmsted's influence extended beyond their shared travels. He encouraged his son's education and interest in nature, providing him with opportunities to learn and explore. When Frederick was almost ready to enrol at Yale College, sumac poisoning weakened his eyes, and he had to abandon his college plans. John Olmsted supported his son during this challenging time, helping him acquire a 125-acre farm on Staten Island, where Frederick could pursue his interest in agriculture.

John Olmsted's influence on his son's career was not limited to their shared travels and Frederick's early interest in nature. John's strong work ethic and business acumen may have also played a role in shaping Frederick's approach to his work. As a successful merchant, John likely passed on valuable skills in management, administration, and financial matters to his son. This influence can be seen in Frederick's later career, where he excelled not only as a landscape designer but also as a superintendent, administrator, and manager in various projects.

In conclusion, John Olmsted's influence on his son, Frederick Law Olmsted, was significant and multi-faceted. Their shared travels and John's encouragement of his son's interests laid the foundation for Frederick's career as a landscape architect. Additionally, John's success as a merchant may have instilled valuable skills and a strong work ethic in his son, contributing to his success in various professional endeavours.

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Olmsted's travels and their impact

Olmsted's travels began at a young age, as he often accompanied his father on trips through the countryside to study landscapes. These trips were a source of inspiration for Olmsted, who would later become known as the father of landscape architecture in the United States.

In 1850, Olmsted travelled to Europe and the British Isles, where he visited numerous parks, private estates, and scenic countryside. This trip had a profound impact on Olmsted, as he was introduced to the work of English landscape gardeners, travellers, and theorists of landscape art. He was particularly influenced by the writings of Uvedale Price and William Gilpin, who advocated for the creation of picturesque landscapes that would provide a sense of mystery and bounteousness.

In 1852, Olmsted published his first book, "Walks and Talks of an American Farmer in England", which documented his travels and observations during this trip. The book gained him a modest literary reputation and led to further opportunities in journalism and landscape architecture.

Between 1852 and 1857, Olmsted travelled extensively throughout the American South and Texas as a reporter for the New-York Daily Times. During these journeys, he observed the social and economic impacts of slavery, and his subsequent writings played a significant role in opposing the westward expansion of slavery and advocating for its abolition.

In 1857, Olmsted travelled to England once again, this time on a business trip as a partner in a publishing firm. However, his attempts to secure publishing deals were unsuccessful due to the lack of an international copyright law.

In 1863, Olmsted travelled to California to take on a new role as the manager of the Mariposa gold mining estate in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Although this venture ultimately failed, it provided Olmsted with the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region and reflect on the tendencies of American life. During this time, he also worked on several landscape design projects, including Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland and the grounds of the College of California.

In 1865, Olmsted returned to New York and resumed his collaboration with Calvert Vaux on landscape architecture projects, including Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Riverside, Illinois. He also continued his work in journalism, serving as an associate editor for the newly founded magazine, "The Nation".

Throughout his career, Olmsted's travels had a significant impact on his work as a landscape architect. He drew inspiration from the natural landscapes he encountered and incorporated the principles of English landscape design into his own projects. His travels also shaped his social and political values, influencing his commitment to conservation and his belief in the importance of public green spaces.

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Olmsted's literary career

Frederick Law Olmsted's career in journalism began with his travels to Europe in 1850, where he visited public gardens and was particularly impressed by Joseph Paxton's Birkenhead Park. He subsequently wrote and published "Walks and Talks of an American Farmer in England" in 1852. This helped him get additional work, including a commission from the New York Daily Times to embark on an extensive research journey through the American South and Texas from 1852 to 1857.

His dispatches to the Times were collected into three volumes: "A Journey in the Seaboard Slave States" (1856), "A Journey Through Texas" (1857), and "A Journey in the Back Country in the Winter of 1853–4" (1860). These works are considered vivid first-person accounts of the antebellum South. An abridged version, "Journeys and Explorations in the Cotton Kingdom", was published in England during the first six months of the American Civil War.

Olmsted's literary work was not limited to journalism. In addition to his published works, he also wrote an introduction to "The Present Crisis" in "Journeys and Explorations in the Cotton Kingdom". In it, he stated his views on the negative effects of slavery on the economy and social conditions of the southern states. He argued that slavery had made the slave states inefficient and backward, both economically and socially.

Olmsted also provided financial support for, and occasionally wrote for, the magazine "The Nation", which was founded in 1865. He spent much of his free time working as an editorial assistant to the magazine's first editor, Edwin L. Godkin.

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Olmsted's transition to landscape architecture

Frederick Law Olmsted's transition to landscape architecture was a gradual process, influenced by his early life experiences and a diverse range of work opportunities that shaped his views and interests. Here is an account of Olmsted's journey towards becoming a renowned landscape architect:

Early Influences and Education:

Olmsted was born in 1822 in Hartford, Connecticut, to John Olmsted, a prosperous merchant with a keen interest in nature, and Charlotte Law (née Hull) Olmsted. Olmsted's father often took him on trips through the countryside, sparking a fascination for the beauty of nature that would later influence his career. Unfortunately, Olmsted's mother passed away when he was four years old.

Olmsted's formal education was interrupted when he was fifteen due to sumac poisoning, which weakened his eyes and prevented him from attending Yale College as planned. Despite this setback, he pursued a variety of endeavours, including working in a New York dry-goods store and embarking on a voyage to China. He also studied surveying, engineering, chemistry, and scientific farming.

Travels and Writing:

In 1850, Olmsted travelled to Europe, visiting numerous parks, private estates, and scenic countryside. This trip inspired him to write his first book, "Walks and Talks of an American Farmer in England," published in 1852. He also began working as a journalist and correspondent for the "New-York Daily Times" (now "The New York Times"), travelling through the American South and Texas from 1852 to 1857 to report on slavery. During this period, he developed strong political values, opposing the westward expansion of slavery and advocating for abolition.

Entry into Landscape Architecture:

In 1857, Olmsted's literary connections led to his appointment as superintendent of New York's Central Park. This marked a turning point in his career. In 1858, he collaborated with architect Calvert Vaux on the design for Central Park, and their Greensward Plan won the competition. This project served as Olmsted's apprenticeship in landscape architecture, and he worked closely with Vaux to execute their vision.

Further Career and Recognition:

Following his success with Central Park, Olmsted became a sought-after landscape designer, creating iconic greenspaces across America. He is known for his innovative parkways and park systems, as well as his commitment to conservation. Notable projects include Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Boston's Emerald Necklace, the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, and the landscape design for Biltmore Estate. Olmsted's work transformed outdoor spaces, aiming to bring peace and tranquility to their patrons.

Olmsted's career spanned over forty years, and he is considered the "father of landscape architecture" in the United States. His designs emphasized the importance of collaboration with professionals from various disciplines, such as engineers, horticulturists, and architects. He passed on his design principles to a handful of talented young men, including his stepson, John C. Olmsted, who continued his legacy.

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Frequently asked questions

Olmsted's career path took many turns, including working as an apprentice seaman, merchant, journalist, and farmer. He also had a significant career in journalism and publishing. However, it was his father who instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature and scenery, which laid the foundation for his interest in landscape design. Olmsted's first foray into landscape architecture came when he was appointed superintendent of New York's Central Park in 1857, and he and Calvert Vaux won the design competition for the park in 1858.

Olmsted faced financial difficulties, health issues, and opposition from politicians and members of the Park Commission. He also had to navigate the challenges of the American Civil War and the complexities of social and political issues, such as slavery.

Olmsted is known for co-designing well-known urban parks with his partner, Calvert Vaux. Their first project was Central Park in New York City, and they went on to design Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Cadwalader Park in Trenton, New Jersey, and many others. Olmsted also designed the grounds of notable institutions, such as Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and the United States Capitol.

Olmsted believed that the purpose of his art was to affect people's emotions and create a sense of peace and tranquility. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with professionals from other disciplines, such as engineers, horticulturists, and architects. He often worked with architect Henry Hobson Richardson.

Olmsted is considered the "father of landscape architecture" in the United States. He completed nearly 6,000 landscape projects and left a lasting impact on the field of landscape design, with his principles and theories continuing to influence designers today. His firm, Olmsted Brothers, was carried on by his sons and completed thousands of additional projects.

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