Druid
Hill Park, dedicated on October 19, l860, ranks with Central Park in New York
and Fairmount Park in Philadelphia as one of the oldest major public parks in
the country. The landscaping and park structures were designed as an ensemble.
Most of the original buildings are still intact. Among the more important are
the arched gateway at Madison Avenue and Druid Hill Lake Drive, designed by
John H. B. Latrobe; the Boat House; three stations on the park railway; the
Chinese Station, Council Grove Station, and Orem's Way Station, all designed
by George A. Frederick and erected in l864; the Conservatory, or Palm House,
of l888; the Octagonal Shelter for the Park Commissioner's horses; the Chess
and Checkers Pavilion; and the Mansion House which was originally built in 180l
by Col. Nicholas Rogers and remodeled for park use. The remaining structures
include five unnamed pavilions, the Latrobe Pavilion, and the Maryland House.
Druid Hill Park is on the National Register of Historic Places.
ORDINANCE 1001 10/14/75