Month: May 2023

Part 4(f) – The Fountain, Washington, D.C.

May 26, 2023

The boundary wall connecting the two entrances including the ornate drinking fountain at the center of the entire scheme was finally erected in 1881. It is this later date that is of interest since it helps explain why the fountain exhibits a different style than the rest of the decorative stonework Wisedell designed for the … More Part 4(f) – The Fountain, Washington, D.C.

Part 4(e) – Stonework, The Capitol Grounds (west side), Washington, D.C.

May 3, 2023

Work on grading the grounds on the western side of the Capitol building began in 1876.  Since the architectural renderings for this project were undated, most of the information was found the congressional records and in the letters and correspondences of Frederick Law Olmsted. Based on congressional appropriations, it appears as though Thomas Wisedell probably … More Part 4(e) – Stonework, The Capitol Grounds (west side), Washington, D.C.