From Staff Reports 

Biltmore Estate will celebrate Frederick Law Olmsted’s impact on the development of Biltmore, and the lasting legacy that remains of his work in Western North Carolina with the unveiling of “Olmsted’s Biltmore: A Collection of Scenic Stops,” the estate announced in an April 14 press release.

 Biltmore, based in Asheville, is one of more than 120 organizations nationwide banding together as Olmsted 200: Parks for All People, a year of programming and events designed to strengthen and expand parks, open space, and the American quality of life.

Born 200 years ago on April 26, 1822, Olmsted was considered the father of American landscape architecture. Olmsted enjoyed a prolific career designing public and private parks all over the country. 

Some of his most notable designs were Central Park in New York City and the grounds of the U. S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. 

However, he regarded the garden and grounds he designed for George Vanderbilt at Biltmore one of his most loved projects, calling it “the most permanently important public work” of his career.  

 In 1888, Olmsted was hired by George Vanderbilt to create a design for his newly acquired land in North Carolina where he would build a home for his friends and family. What was Olmsted’s vision more than a century ago is now a mature and preserved landscape. It was his advice to Vanderbilt that led to Biltmore becoming the birthplace of American scientific forestry.

 â€œSet to debut on April 22 on the grounds and in the gardens at Biltmore, the Scenic Stops elevate Olmsted’s profile as one of the primary designers of George Vanderbilt’s estate – and the national significance of Biltmore as one of his last great work,” the press release stated.

 A team comprised of Biltmore’s conservators, horticulturists and engineering services staff collaborated on the Scenic Stops project from concept to completion. The signage is placed at some of Biltmore’s most iconic scenery – views envisioned by Olmsted himself. Engaging stories discuss his unusual path to landscape design, and his intentions for Biltmore’s gardens and grounds.

 Biltmore’s Project Team made improvements along the existing Deer Park trail behind Biltmore House, where three of the scenic stops are located. Benches have been added for guests to sit and take in the Olmsted-designed landscape all around them, with views of Mount Pisgah in the distance.

 â€œThese stories share Olmsted’s original intentions for what guests would see when they visit Biltmore, whether they were Vanderbilt’s contemporaries, or guests visiting more than 100 years in the future,” said Parker Andes, Biltmore’s senior director of horticulture and land planning.

Views toward Mount Pisgah and Pisgah National Forest lead back to one of Olmsted’s suggestions to Vanderbilt: develop a forest management plan for his land holdings, which eventually totaled approximately 125,000 acres. He followed Olmsted’s advice, and now, the legacy of Olmsted’s vision for Biltmore’s grounds is evident.

For more information about Biltmore’s tribute to Olmsted, and the Collection of Scenic Stops, visit www.biltmore.com/our-story/olmsteds-biltmore/