Olmsted Legacy Marker

Washington’s is one of just 12 state capitols, plus the U.S. capitol, that carries forth the Olmsted vision of landscape architecture.

It’s one of the most extensive and intact expressions of the Olmsted vision, founded by the legendary American architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. (1822-1903).

Olmsted’s sons and partners in the Olmsted Brothers landscape design firm carried forth their father’s vision as they set forth a blueprint for our state capitol.

Their design elements include:

• Use of the “genius of place” to celebrate the campus’ bluff-top location.
• Intentional plantings of signature native plants and non-native specimens.
• Grouping these plantings into groves that complement the grand scale of the classical buildings.
• Plotting out straight boulevards and sightlines toward focal elements, such as the dome and the flag circle.
• Gently curving walkways, allowing approaching visitors a measure of awe and surprise as the Capitol’s signature buildings emerge from behind trees or statuary.

Staff in the state Department of Enterprise Services proposed the plaque, and the State Capitol Committee unanimously approved the installation in December 2024. DES staff installed the plaque in May 2025.