Last updated: June 11, 2024
Place
Rough Point
Olmsted Archives
Quick Facts
Location:
Newport, RI
Significance:
Olmsted Designed Landscape
MANAGED BY:
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1887 for the Vanderbilt family, the original design of Rough Point was meant to emphasize the connection of the property to the nearby ocean.
When Olmsted completed Rough Point in 1891, the nearly eleven-acre property perched atop rugged cliffs featured views created through the layering of foliage and dramatic topography. Olmsted strategically placed trees to provide a sweeping expanse of lawn between the home and cliffs, and an arched stone bridge.
While Olmsted’s arched bridge was damaged in a 1938 hurricane, it was restored to its original design. Whenever an Olmsted-designed landscape faces deterioration, the first step is often reaching out to Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site and asking to view any files related to the project. This way, no new plan needs to be created, instead you use the original one.
Source: "Rough Point," The Cultural Landscape Foundation
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Archives on FlickrÂ
Olmsted Online
When Olmsted completed Rough Point in 1891, the nearly eleven-acre property perched atop rugged cliffs featured views created through the layering of foliage and dramatic topography. Olmsted strategically placed trees to provide a sweeping expanse of lawn between the home and cliffs, and an arched stone bridge.
While Olmsted’s arched bridge was damaged in a 1938 hurricane, it was restored to its original design. Whenever an Olmsted-designed landscape faces deterioration, the first step is often reaching out to Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site and asking to view any files related to the project. This way, no new plan needs to be created, instead you use the original one.
Source: "Rough Point," The Cultural Landscape Foundation
For more information and primary resources, please visit:
Olmsted Research Guide Online
Olmsted Archives on FlickrÂ
Olmsted Online