Biography.com, in honor of Olmsted's birthday today, they dived into the history of how he became chief architect of one of the most iconic parks in America. Today, the name of Frederick Law Olmsted is closely associated with Central Park. As a designer, he helped create the layout and look of the park; as superintendent, he taught visitors how to use the new space. But it took a series of fortunate events for Olmsted to end up working on Central Park, and for his plans for the spot to become reality.
To celebrate his birthday, they listed five facts regarding Olmsted and his instrumental involvement with the birth of Central Park. First reason: He was in need of a job. In the summer of 1857, 35-year-old Frederick Law Olmsted desperately needed money (the economy was in bad shape, he had been part of a failed publishing venture and he was in debt to family and friends).
Reason two: A beginning of what was to become a beautiful partnership. As superintendent, Olmsted oversaw the draining and clearing necessary to transform a swampy and rocky 770-acre site into more manageable land. He did his job well, but it had nothing to do with park design. In fact, Olmsted only began to consider designing Central Park thanks to architect Calvert Vaux.
To read the article in its entirety, as well as to learn the other reasons, click here.