Remember Chief Justice John Marshall as you stand here at John Marshall Place Park. This park honors a man who shaped American law. He served as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 to 1835.
John Marshall Place Park sits between the Canadian Embassy and the United States District Court. It’s a green space amidst the city’s bustle. Carol Johnson, a landscape architect, envisioned this park. She advocated for a pedestrian-friendly area. Originally, the site was intended for a parking lot.
Notice the vista to the Old City Hall. Johnson’s design preserved this view from L’Enfant’s original plan. The park has three terraces. These terraces accommodate a twelve-foot grade change. At the lowest terrace on Pennsylvania Avenue, see the patterned paving. It reflects the L’Enfant plan with its diagonal lines. A bosquet of shade trees provides a cool canopy.
The central terrace offers an open view of Old City Hall. Lush plantings enhance this level. The upper terrace also features a bosquet. Two fountains mark this spot. They symbolize Washington’s first public water supply.
Look toward the north end of John Marshall Place Park. A bronze statue of John Marshall stands here. It is a cast of William Wetmore Story’s original sculpture. The original statue was dedicated in 1884. It stands in the Supreme Court.
Chess was a favorite pastime of John Marshall. The sculpture “The Chess Players” graces the east side of John Marshall Place Park.
John Marshall once lived near this site. His boarding house was next to where the Canadian Chancery is now. The John Marshall Memorial Park Foundation aims to renovate the park. They also want to add interpretive elements. These additions will further honor the Chief Justice.
So take a moment to appreciate John Marshall Place Park. It’s a tribute to a great legal mind. It also offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Washington D.C. Consider the history and design that make this park special. Remember John Marshall’s legacy as you leave.