![summer1](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer1.jpg)
Olmsted's Summerhouse
The Summerhouse’s unobtrusive location in the northwest corner of the U.S. Capitol.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer_2a summer_2a](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer2_new.jpg)
Arched Entrances
Arched entrances leads visitors down a few steps into a gathering space centered around a large drinking fountain.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer3](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer3_new.jpg)
Wrought-iron Gates
Decorative wrought-iron gates flank the entrances.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer4](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer4.jpg)
Textural Interest
Patterned brickwork and Spanish roof tiles create geometric contrast and textural interest.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer5](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer5.jpg)
Stone Seating
Stone seating with armrests and decorative oval window perforations and scrollwork.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer6](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer6_new.jpg)
Octagonal Details
Detail of octagonal stonework in oval window openings.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer7](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer8.jpg)
The Grotto
Close-up of grotto showing stream of water splashing over rocks and plantings.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer8](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer10_new.jpg)
The Fountain
The fountain originally provided spring-fed drinking water. Original details have been preserved, including metal fittings on the fountain’s perimeter, believed to have been used for chains to hold cups or ladles.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer9](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer11.jpg)
The James A. Garfield Monument
The James A. Garfield Monument marks the southwest entrance of the west lawn of the Capitol and stands as part of a three-part sculptural group near the Capitol Reflecting Pool that includes the Peace Monument and the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer10_newaddition](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/Summer12 - NEW Insert as 10 of 14.jpg)
Large Lantern at the Base of the West Lawn
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer10](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer13.jpg)
Paving Patterns
Much of Olmsted’s design work focused on the hardscapes of the Capitol as much as the landscape itself, as seen here in the decorative geometric paving patterns in the walkways leading toward the Capitol.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer11](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer14_new.jpg)
Olmsted's Railings
Ornate wrought-iron railings and lights.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer12](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer15.jpg)
Drain Covers
A detail of the intricate design on the Capitol’s drain covers.
Image: Liz Guthrie![summer13](https://cdn-v2.asla.org/uploadedImages/Guide/Washington/Neighborhoods/Capitol_Hill/summer16.jpg)
An Ornate Fountain
The west plaza of the Capitol grounds features an ornate fountain surrounded by low walls and colorful seasonal plantings.
Image: Liz Guthrie