File:Plan Showing Proposed Method, The Public Grounds at Washington, February 1851. A.J. Downing (847cc92a-693f-46d9-9865-6707a0089d82).jpg

Historic map in grayscale illustrating Downing’s plan for the National Mall, which shows a series of paths through wooded areas, gardens, monuments and memorials, public buildings, like the U.S. President’s residence. Primary text on map reads “Plan Showing Proposed Method, The Public Grounds at Washington, February 1851."

The text on the map is as follows: PLAN SHOWING PROPROSED METHOD OF LAYING OUT THE PUBLIC GROUNDS AT WASHINGTON FEBRUARY 1851 copied from the original plan Prepared by A.J. Downing To accompany the Annual Report dated Oct. 1st, 1867 of Bvt Birg Genl N. Michler In charge of Public Buildings, Grounds & Works Other Identifier

Andrew Jackson (A.J.) Downing's February 1851 map, "Plan Showing Proposed Method, The Public Grounds at Washington." This copy of the well-known map has been altered for clarity (see Comments for details). The original version was downloaded from the National Archives: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6087997.

The original version was downloaded from the National Archives in two files: one of the left side and the other of the right side. The two sections were merged. Damage and other artifacts were fixed. Image was converted to grayscale and contrast and levels adjusted for clarity.