THE VICTORIAN PARK MOVEMENT

The post-Civil War industrial prosperity gave rise to the creation and/or further development of large urban parks in cities throughout America. Many Victorians traveled widely, and were captivated by the beautiful parks they found throughout Europe. They also fell in love with nature and the natural world. They brought back a wealth of new ideas and encouraged their cities to develop bucolic urban oases for the enjoyment of all. Their love of nature and the great outdoors was also inspired by Emerson’s Transcendentalist Movement, daring wilderness expeditions, and the vast romantic landscapes of Thomas Cole and the Hudson River School artists.

Parks such as Central Park in New York City and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco are notable examples of the huge city parks undertaken or improved during the Victorian Era. Concepts for these parks included abundant trees and plants (often exotic imported species), fountains and small lakes, and whimsical buildings with European or Oriental motifs.
The opening of trade with Asian countries, and faster ships to bring their intriguing goods to our shores, sparked an enthusiasm for all things Oriental. This theme was often incorporated into various aspects of park design during that time.

In Baltimore, Patterson Park and Druid Hill Park are two superb examples of large urban parks that were enhanced during the Victorian Era. They embodied many of the popular hallmarks used then: rolling landscapes, lakes, fanciful fountains, unusual trees, conservatories for imported plants, and other delightful buildings. (The Pagoda is a splendid reflection of the fashion for Oriental design.)

For more information, ask for Heritage Paper #4 in the Pagoda lobby.