18

PARK SYSTEM OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

clothed with rich ferns and mosses, its repose and tranquillity, its light and shade, its ever-varying shrubbery, its beautiful and extensive views, the locality is already possessed with all the features necessary for the object in view. There you can find nature diversified in almost every hue and form, needing but the taste of the artist and the skill of the engineer to enhance its beauty and usefulness; gentle pruning and removing what may be distasteful, improving the roads and paths and the construction of new ones, and increasing the already large growth of trees and shrubs, deciduous and evergreen, by adding to them those of other climes and countries. A list of the various trees and shrubs, and vines and creepers, to be found already flourishing in the region described, and also the nature of the soil, will be appended to this report. A glance at the map will show the topographical features of the country, and its accessibility to both Washington and Georgetown.

The valley of Rock Creek occupies a central position to both, as it lies between the Tennalytown road on the west, one of the most prominent thoroughfares leading out of the city, and the Fourteenth Street road and Seventh Street turnpike on the east, two of the finest communications running in a northerly direction from the other. From these main highways many branches cross the valleys or follow along the banks of the stream; these transverse roads already form beautiful drives. Rock Creek winds along for more than 4 miles through the center of the proposed grounds, receiving at convenient points the waters of the Broad and Piney branches, and several smaller tributaries. For a short distance it courses through a narrow but beautiful valley, then wildly dashes for a mile over a succession of falls and rapids, with a descent of some 8 feet, the banks on both sides being bold, rocky, and picturesque; then passes again through narrow valleys or between high, bluff banks. At many points the creek is capable of being dammed, thus forming a series of lakes and ponds for useful and ornamental purposes. The many deep ravines setting in towards it can furnish romantic walks and quiet retreats for the pedestrian. The larger part of the ground is thickly wooded and capable of great adornment. Here we find the several varities of oak, the beech, the locust, the mulberry, the hickory, the sassafras, the persimmon, the dogwood, the pine, with a great many shrubs, vines, and creepers growing, climbing, and trailing throughout the woods. Beautiful vistas, artistically arranged, can be cut through them, exhibiting distant points of landscape, while charming promenades can invite the wanderer to seek cooling shades. Nature has been so rich in her vegetable creation that the plan of transplanting trees of large growth, which has been adopted in most of the modern parks, will be unnecessary. There are some few country seats, such as Blagden's, Pierce's, and Walbridge's, which have been highly cultivated; should it be found desirable to erect the Presidential mansion within the inclosure of the park the first-mentioned site possesses many advantages, both ornamental and valuable. Here and there some prominent point offers commanding views of the surrounding country, where observatories can be located, conservatories built for exotic plants, and geometrical flower gardens planted. Back from the stream some level plateaus extend, which can be appropriately employed for zoological and botanical gardens, grounds for play and parade, and many other useful purposes.

The map shows the most desirable localities, the surveys having been made in great detail. The lay of the land is such as admits of thorough drainage, and the nature of the soil offers all the facilities for building good roads. The granite and limestone rocks which are found outcropping at different points will furnish the materials for their superstructure. In fact, every facility is offered for laying out and constructing a grand national park.

The questions now arise as to what should be the extent of the proposed work and the probable price of the land. As it should be one worthy of the capital of the nation, and as the ground can be secured at a reasonable price before being

PARK SYSTEM OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

19

occupied by costly suburban villas, it is respectfully recommended to the honorable committee to purchase at once a sufficient number of acres bordering on Rock Creek to anticipate the future growth of the city and its increasing population. With the view of retaining as much of the picturesque scenery along the stream and of also embracing the sites of some few of the forts on the north, constructed for defense of the city, which have become historical, and from the parapets of which extensive views can be had, I have marked on the maps such lines as may be satisfactorily taken as approximate bounds of the park. In case my recommendations should be considered too extravagant, I have caused a second series of lines to be drawn for grounds of more moderate dimensions. The first tract would contain about 2,540 acres, more or less, and the second 1,800, more or less. As there is so much difference of opinion as to the price of the land, the quality and improvements varying so much, it is a difficult matter to offer anything more than an approximate appraisement. As the right of eminent domain empowers the Government to take property, and as such property is the necessary incident to sovereignty, the question would finally have to be settled by a commission appointed by some competent court. The price ranges from $50 to $1,000 per acre. A mean of $200 should amply cover the entire cost. It will be noticed that the southern limits, as drawn, of the proposed park do not approach more closely than necessary the city limits, leaving out, where possible, such sites as would greatly enhance the cost. Avenues leading along Rock Creek to the southern limits of the park should be opened. According to the above figures the larger tract would amount to $580,000 and the smaller one to $360,000. As the work of constructing a park will consume many years, no longer delay than is absolutely necessary should be consumed in the preliminary arrangements for the passage of the necessary laws and the purchase of the lands.

The dimensions of the most celebrated European parks are as follows:

London. All parks in and near London, including gardens, squares, and parade grounds, 6,000 acres. Hyde Park, 380 acres; Regent's Park, 372 acres; Windsor Little Park, 300 acres; Kensington, 227 acres; Windsor Great Park, 3,500 acres; Richmond Park, 2,250 acres.

Dublin.-Phoenix Park, about 2,000 acres.

Garden at Versailles, 3,000 acres; Bois de Boulogne, 2,158 acres; Munich, Englischer Garten, about 500 acres; Vienna, Prater, 1,500 acres; Birkenhead Park, near Liverpool, 180 acres.

The Central Park of New York, the most important work of the kind undertaken in America, is over 2 miles long by 14 miles in breadth, and contains over 840 acres. There are about 9 miles of drives, 9 miles of bridle road, and some 25 miles of walks. The annual sum provided for the expense of maintaining it, to wit, $150,000, is reported to be insufficient. The number of visitors continues to increase with each year; in 1865, 7,593,139 persons entered. Hunting Course Park, near Philadelphia, and the Druid Park, near Baltimore, have also been constructed. The establishment of parks is exciting great attention throughout the land, and adds vastly to the enjoyment of the people.

SITE FOR A PRESIDENTIAL MANSION.

I would now call the attention of your honorable committee to the remaining subject of this report-the selection of a site for a Presidential mansion. In the memoranda submitted to the Secretary of War by letter of July 26, 1866, you requested that the ground known as Meridian Hill" and the estate of the late Washington Berry" should be particularly examined, as they are thought to contain all the requisite advantages for such a site; "also such other localities as may, in the judgment of the engineer," present eligible positions for such a purpose. In compliance with your wish, I made special reconnoissances and surveys of the

20

PARK SYSTEM OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

above-named places, as well as some others, which offer great inducements, and will now discuss each separately.

I. Meridian Hill (Colonel Messmore's estate).-This site is located due north from the present White House on the first range of hills bounding the city limits. It is easy of access, several avenues and streets leading in that direction. On the east it adjoins the lands of Columbia College, and on the west those of Mr. Little. The number of acres contained in this tract is 120, which, added to that of Mr. Little's 38 acres, gives a total of 158. The latter offered to sell to the Government at about 6 cents a square foot, or $2,613 per acre. On both these estates are eligible building sites, the view towards the south overlooking the city and the valley of the Potomac being particularly fine. At one time some large forest trees added beauty to the scene, but most of them were destroyed during the war. There are no improvements, the old mansion house having been destroyed by fire and the walls are alone standing. North of the site the land is nearly level, only slightly undulating. Although possessed of considerable advantages, there are several objections to this selection in connection with the object in view. Lying just above the plateau of the city and not screened by any belt of timber, it is exposed to the miasmatic influences arising from the marshes of the Potomac. Again, it is too near the city to afford any retirement and repose for the Chief Magistrate. Already the street railroads approach, and numerous houses are being built on all sides of this site.

II. Metropolis View-(Homestead of the late Washington Berry.)-This estate lies northeast of the Capitol, between the old Bladensburg road and Lincoln avenue, the latter a continuation of North Capitol street. It is distant from the Capitol about 2 miles, and from the White House about 3 miles. It contains some 350 acres, valued by the trustees at $500 an acre, with the improvements, including a very fine spring; the whole is offered at $200,000. To the east of it lies Brentwood, the fine estate of Mrs. Pearson; and to the west Glenwood Cemetery; and Harewood, the beautiful grounds of Mr. Corcoran. In front spreads out Eckington, so many years the homestead of the late Mr. Gales, which contains 130 acres; the price of this land is placed at $1,000 per acre, with $25,000 additional for improvements. Metropolis View is beautifully situated, having a high and commanding position; it is partially covered with groves of fine old trees, deciduous and evergreen, and possessed of an abundance of timber. A fine spring rises in the place, and two small streams, tributaries of the Tiber, course through it. In nearly every direction the eye meets with charming landscape scenes, and it overlooks the Capitol and the broad valley of the Potomac. This locality possesses many attractions, and is susceptible of great improvement. It is easy of access by some of the finest avenues and streets leading out of the city, and is at a very convenient distance from the most prominent public huildings.

Eckington is a very delightful place, but it is not sufficiently high to afford any extensive views. It should, however, be purchased in addition to the Berry estate, should Metropolis View be selected as the site. The two tracts of land united would furnish ample grounds to surround the mansion, and also open a fine park to connect with the city on the direct line with the Capitol. The sum total of the valuation of both estates amounts to $355,000, In regard to the healthfulness of this locality, the opinions of those with whom I have consulted differ materially. Some think that the miasma carried up the valley of the Tiber from the Eastern Branch is very deleterious to health, while others, who have long inhabited these old homesteads, pronounce them to be very perfectly salubrious. III. Harewood (Mr. Corcoran's estate).-Among the many delightful drives around the city of Washington none can compare with those to be found within the inclosure of this delightful retreat. The grounds are most artistically arranged, and no expense has been spared in adorning them by all the appliances at the command of taste and wealth.

21

PARK SYSTEM OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

The grounds are naturally beautiful and undulating, and all that skill can accomplish has been applied to render them most charming and picturesque. In addition to the natural growth of vegetation many trees and plants of other climes and nations have been introduced to impart their luxuriance to the scene. The estate covers some 200 acres, but as you follow the gentle windings of the drives and walks the imagination is led to believe it to be of much greater extent. Good roads lead to it from the city, making it perfectly accessible. A fine spring furnishes a plentiful supply of water, and in point of health it is all that can be desired. This spot, originally selected by the proprietor upon which to erect a princely mansion, is one of the most beautiful situations among the many fine ones in the environs of Washington. It would be a most eligible site for a Presidential mansion.

IV. The homestead of Mr. Moncure Robinson.-This estate is now occupied by a brother of the proprietor, the latter residing in the city of Philadelphia. It lies adjoining the lands belonging to the United States Military Asylum. The road which leads out of the city on the prolongation of North Capitol street and passes near the home for the old soldiers almost divides the place into equal parts. There are about 70 acres in all, which the owner proposes to sell at $1,000 per acre, without the improvements. These he values at $30,000. The mansion occupies one of the most elevated positions in the neighborhood of Washington. An extensive panorama of the surrounding country lies before the beholder. From every point of the compass the eye can dwell upon magnificent landscapes extending far into Maryland and Virginia and combining all that is beautiful and picturesque. In or direction the gaze rests for miles on the waters of the majestic Potomac, and in another there are mountains and hills mantled with forests, and plains and valleys highly cultivated. The place contains a large portion of heavy timber, and is so situated as to offer numerous advantages for improvement. From its great height it will be far above all malarious influences. There are fine springs in the neighborhood, which furnish an abundance of water for useful and ornamental purposes. The locality is convenient to both cities. Through Washington several avenues and streets lead toward the road above referred to as connecting with North Capitol street. By this drive a straight-line communication can be had with the Capitol, the distance between the two being less than 4 miles. By the avenues and streets connecting with the Fourteenth Street road and Seventh Street turnpike, thence by Rock Creek Church road, a very direct drive of a little over 4 miles can be had with the White House and the public buildings adjoining it. From Georgetown almost an air line can be had from Boundary street, Taylor's lane, and Rock Creek Church road, a distance of about 4 miles.

Directly in front of, or south of Mr. Robinson's beautiful locality, lie the very pretty grounds of Mrs. R. S. Wood, consisting of 40 acres. The two must be inseparable should the Robinson site be selected for a Presidential mansion. They are valued at about $1,000 per acre, not including the improvements. The two places can probably be purchased for $150,000. Mrs. Wood's tract joins Harewood on the south, and on the west that of the Military Asylum. The lands of the latter do not belong to the Government, but are in trust for the old soldiers, and contain some 258 acres. A reference to the map will show the honorable committee the peculiarly attractive features, both of position and general convenience of access, offered by the locality described above, containing in all about 114 acres, sufficient for the necessary purposes of embellishment and utility; and, lying contiguous to the already ornamented grounds of Harewood and the Military Asylum, enjoying all the charms and advantages of those delightful places, it would be difficult indeed to find a spot more admirably adapted as a retired, pleasant home for the President of the United States.

A table of distances from the Capitol and Executive Mansion to prominent points of interest is also added for the information of the committee.

In concluding this report, I would respectfully suggest to your honorable committee the necessity of commencing the construction of the national park as soon as practicable. It is a grand and beautiful undertaking and should be prosecuted with the greatest energy. A sufficient appropriation for inclosing the grounds purchased, for improving and keeping in repair the drives and walks already con structed, and for the laying out of others should be made. For this purpose $100,000 would be sufficient for present expenditures.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. MICHLER,

Major of Engineers, Brevet Brigadier-General, U. S. A.

HOL. B. GRATZ BROWN,

Chairman of the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds,

United States Senate.

NOTE.-As an appendix to this report Major Michler incorporated certain remarks "on the vegetation o. the District of Columbia," by Dr. Arthur Schott.

APPENDIX B.

[S. 549. Thirty-ninth Congress, second session.]

In the Senate of the United States,

JANUARY 28, 1867, Mr. Brown asked, and by unanimous consent obtained, leave to bring in the following bill; which was read twice, referred to the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, and ordered printed.

FEBRUARY 12, 1867.-Reported by Mr. Brown with an amendment, viz, etc. A BILL for the establishment and maintenance of a public park in the District of Columbia. [Copy of the bill as amended and passed in the Senate.]

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a tract of land in the District of Columbia, along and adjacent to Rock Creek, embraced within the limits and designations of the survey made by Brigadier-General N. Michler, under the order of the Secretary of War, in pursuance of a Senate resolution of July eighteen, eighteen hundred and sixty-six, and conforming in its boundaries as near as may be deemed expedient by the commission hereinafter established to the projected boundary lines of the park designated in said survey (which survey and plat, approved by