Sample Chapter
Short History of Public Parks
Advocate for Public Parks
Andrew Jackson Downing
Andrew Jackson Downing (October 31, 1815 – July 28, 1852)
The son of Samuel and Eunice Bridge Downing, Andrew was native to Newburgh, New York. Downing as a child worked in his father's nursery business. The work inspired an interest in landscape gardening and architecture.
Author
He undertook to learn botany and landscape gardening, an interest that led to the publication of his first book, A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening, Adapted to North America, published in 1841. He and Caroline DeWint married in 1838. He authored several other books and became a noted authority on landscape gardening and received a commission from President Millard Fillmore to create a landscape design for the National Mall.
National Mall
Downing presented his plan on February 27, 1851. His plan was dramatically different from the geometric design originally proposed in 1791. He wanted to “natural style of landscape gardening." He intended the Mall to be a "public museum of living trees and shrubs." Congress adopted the plan, but only provided funding for a portion of the Mall. Congress eventually eliminated the funding entirely, however eventually it was completed according to his plan. The Mall was renovated again in 1902. Downing developed a landscape style that gardens should fit into the surrounding countryside and blend into the natural habitat.
Architect and Landscape Designer
An architect, Downing's buildings reflected his belief that even the simplest form of architecture should be beautiful, but that usefulness should never be sacrificed for beauty. He popularized the idea of the front porch on private homes. He published designs for twenty-eight residences that included plans for the surrounding gardens, orchards and grounds.
Advocate for Public Parks
After seeing the success of Mount Auburn Cemetery, he said, “Judging from the crowds of people in carriages, and on foot, which I find constantly thronging Green-Wood and Mount Auburn, I think it is plain enough how much our citizens, of all classes, would enjoy public parks.” He became an advocate for public parks, proposing that a portion of central New York be turned into a park, an idea that eventually spawned Central Park. His concept included an area that would have gardens, zoos, concert halls and art galleries. It would also feature a science museum, horticultural societies and a free dairy. He advocated that all cities should have parks for the residents to enjoy, using the landscaped designs of the large, new cemeteries as a model.
Death and Legacy
Downing died while on an excursion with his wife and extended family riding on the steam ship, Henry Clay. The boiler on the ship exploded, sparking a fire that engulfed the ship killing Downing and eighty other passengers. Only some ashes and a few clothing remnants were recovered. He is interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh, New York. Many consider him the father of the American landscape gardening architecture. His work inspired Frederick Law Olmsted as well as beginning the public park movement in the United States.
Advocate for Public Parks
Andrew Jackson Downing
Andrew Jackson Downing (October 31, 1815 – July 28, 1852)
The son of Samuel and Eunice Bridge Downing, Andrew was native to Newburgh, New York. Downing as a child worked in his father's nursery business. The work inspired an interest in landscape gardening and architecture.
Author
He undertook to learn botany and landscape gardening, an interest that led to the publication of his first book, A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening, Adapted to North America, published in 1841. He and Caroline DeWint married in 1838. He authored several other books and became a noted authority on landscape gardening and received a commission from President Millard Fillmore to create a landscape design for the National Mall.
National Mall
Downing presented his plan on February 27, 1851. His plan was dramatically different from the geometric design originally proposed in 1791. He wanted to “natural style of landscape gardening." He intended the Mall to be a "public museum of living trees and shrubs." Congress adopted the plan, but only provided funding for a portion of the Mall. Congress eventually eliminated the funding entirely, however eventually it was completed according to his plan. The Mall was renovated again in 1902. Downing developed a landscape style that gardens should fit into the surrounding countryside and blend into the natural habitat.
Architect and Landscape Designer
An architect, Downing's buildings reflected his belief that even the simplest form of architecture should be beautiful, but that usefulness should never be sacrificed for beauty. He popularized the idea of the front porch on private homes. He published designs for twenty-eight residences that included plans for the surrounding gardens, orchards and grounds.
Advocate for Public Parks
After seeing the success of Mount Auburn Cemetery, he said, “Judging from the crowds of people in carriages, and on foot, which I find constantly thronging Green-Wood and Mount Auburn, I think it is plain enough how much our citizens, of all classes, would enjoy public parks.” He became an advocate for public parks, proposing that a portion of central New York be turned into a park, an idea that eventually spawned Central Park. His concept included an area that would have gardens, zoos, concert halls and art galleries. It would also feature a science museum, horticultural societies and a free dairy. He advocated that all cities should have parks for the residents to enjoy, using the landscaped designs of the large, new cemeteries as a model.
Death and Legacy
Downing died while on an excursion with his wife and extended family riding on the steam ship, Henry Clay. The boiler on the ship exploded, sparking a fire that engulfed the ship killing Downing and eighty other passengers. Only some ashes and a few clothing remnants were recovered. He is interred in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh, New York. Many consider him the father of the American landscape gardening architecture. His work inspired Frederick Law Olmsted as well as beginning the public park movement in the United States.
